Street art captures the spirit of Byker

YOUNGSTERS have created a street art image to enhance the internationally-famous housing development they call home.

- By TONY HENDERSON

The project has been led by local street artist MarkOne87, with the artwork decorating the gable end of the Northern Stage building on Brinkburn Street in the grade II* listed Byker Estate in Newcastle.

It is part of a project facilitated by Karbon Homes, which owns and manages 1,800 homes on the estate, and funded by Historic England.

Delivered over the last six months in collaboration with specialist youth service Foundation Futures, the project has given young Byker residents a creative outlet to express what the estate means to them.

Tom Frater, North East and Yorkshire regional director at Historic England, said: "Historic England is proud to support this inspiring project through our History in the Making programme.

"The Byker estate holds a special place in the modern history of Tyneside and in our national architectural heritage as one of the most significant examples of 1960s social housing design, something reflected in its high Grade II* listing.

"This community-led street art initiative demonstrates how young people can engage with and celebrate their local heritage in creative and meaningful ways.