Bigg Market Consultancy Project 

The built environment of the Bigg Market was described by most of our questionnaire respondents as 'dirty, tired and run down'.

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One of the key issues that hinders the Bigg Market is that it is no longer seen as a destination within Newcastle and it is currently used as a travel route rather than a destination for people throughout the day. This fundamentally highlights the contrast between how Bigg Market is utilised in both daytime and night-time. It is fair to say that the area is indeed a night-time destination for its numerous bar options but this was often seen as having a negative impact on the area throughout responses.

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Regeneration throughout other areas of Newcastle has certainly contributed to the poor current condition of Bigg Market. By making the surrounding areas of Bigg Market desirable destinations, the area has been left behind in comparison to the surrounding areas. The success of Grey Street, the Gate, the Quayside and Central Station has bled Bigg Market dry of both business and footfall. It is through comparison to these other areas of the city centre that shows how Bigg Market has been left to decay which is demonstrated in the model below which shows the varying building use within the Bigg Market, clearly there are many vacant properties in the area which give it a disused and forgotten atmosphere.

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A positive regeneration cycle could be created by increasing the condition of the buildings in the Bigg Market. Currently many are in poor condition and as a result sit unoccupied. Should the condition be improved and tenants found, the increased retail offer and workspace would improve footfall in the area which should encourage more positive daytime uses for the space. Some of this work falls on the shoulders of the Council, when it comes to ensuring that the area is clean and the pavements have been washed. The dirty and run down condition of the area is most apparent when walking from Bigg Market to Grey Street, which is maintained and in a great condition. Certainly, the cleanliness of the area around Greys Monument has increased the footfall in this area and have brought positive consequences for all of Grey Street and Grainger Town, even the street connecting Grey Street and Bigg Market is much more aesthetically pleasing than the Bigg Market itself, as shown below.

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Through speaking to a heritage expert from Newcastle City Council, the idea was explored about promoting the Bigg Market as a heritage asset alongside the Castle and Cathedral that are situated immediately south. This would bring a new tourism and identity back to the area and allow for retailers to trade on this basis, having a large positive impact on the area. This is an avenue that NE1 are keen to explore as the Bigg Market is part of the historic core of Newcastle City Centre.

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It goes without saying that the built environment within the Bigg Market has been neglected and is in a poor condition. This is the major contributing factor the reason that the area is seen as a thoroughfare rather than a destination itself. With some strategic regeneration and restoration to the buildings and street scene, and some positive marketing from a heritage perspective, the Bigg Market area has within it the potential to thrive in the heart of the city.