The Bigg Market is a site of historical significance due to its buildings and close proximity to Newcastle Castle and St Nicholas’ Cathedral, which is over 900 years old and contains many references to the city’s history and those who have contributed to it. The Bigg Market dates back to the middle ages, when the site was most well-known for its thriving market. The market was where the site derived its name after a type of coarse barley, known as Bigg barley that was sold widely at the stalls; the photos below show historic images of the old market.
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The Bigg Market formerly was the location of Newcastle’s Old Town Hall, which was built between 1858 and 1863. The building was then demolished in 1973.
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Over the years the Bigg Market has become more commonly known for its lively night-time economy and drinking revelers that come with it, leading to a large amount of disorderly behaviour. Within the site there are 31 listed buildings but many of these are in a state of disrepair. The rest of the buildings are made up of over 20 bars, restaurants and retail outlets throughout the Bigg Market area.
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Most recently, NE1 the business improvement company for Newcastle has received £202,800 from the Heritage Lottery fund to initially start a regeneration scheme for the area. Around £2.9m of further funding has been received to rejuvenate the Bigg Market by recreating the historic area in a commercially sustainable manner. The development phase of the project is currently underway with planning approval granted in July 2016 and phase 2 approval in September 2016, work is scheduled to begin on the delivery phase in 2017. NE1's objective is to capitalise on the area’s fabulous heritage value and deliver an attractive, commercially sustainable destination of quality in the heart of the city.
Brief history of the area
The Chronicle
The Chronicle
The Chronicle
The Chronicle
The Chronicle