Eldon Square Celebrates 50 Years with Community Mural
Eldon Square is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is marking the occasion by bringing together five decades of Newcastle memories, iconic moments and historic images from the centre’s past in a new mural.
The mural was officially unveiled on 30 March, with Helen Cowie, Centre Director at Eldon Square, Jennifer Hartley MBE, Assistant Director of Capital Investment and Growth at Newcastle City Council, Bernice Nesham Director of Asset Management at Pradera Lateral, Suzie Lee, Director at Savills, and Helen Dalby, Editor-in-Chief for the Chronicle and Journal.
They were also joined by Eldon Square’s Merchant Directors: Holly Latimer, General Manager at Frankie & Benny’s, Faye Thompson, General Manager at Boots, and Lisa Kendal, Deputy Branch Manager at John Lewis & Partners. What’s more, the event welcomed long-serving members of staff, many of whom have worked at the centre for over three decades.
Originally opened on 4 March 1976, the centre has been part of Newcastle’s city life for half a century. To create the nostalgic mural, Eldon Square partnered with The Chronicle to source a collection of archive images that capture the spirit of Newcastle life, showing how the city centre and Eldon Square have evolved together and their shared role in everyday life across the region.
The images form part of a large-scale installation in Grey’s Quarter at Eldon Square, showcasing moments from the centre’s history and highlighting how the space has changed over the past 50 years.
Alongside the mural, visitors have also been invited to share their own stories of Eldon Square. Following a callout on Eldon Square’s social channels, shoppers have submitted memories, photographs and personal stories connected to the centre, from childhood shopping trips and first jobs to celebrations and everyday moments spent at Eldon Square.
Helen Cowie, Centre Director at Eldon Square, said: “For fifty years Eldon Square has been part of the fabric of Newcastle and we know that so many people in the city have memories connected to the centre. From meeting friends and family to first jobs and favourite shops, the centre has played a role in everyday life for generations.
“This mural is a wonderful way to celebrate that history while also inviting our visitors to be part of the story. We’re excited to showcase these archive images and hear the memories people share with us as we mark this important milestone.”
Jennifer Hartley MBE, Assistant Director of Capital Investment and Growth at Newcastle City Council said: “Eldon Square has been at the heart of Newcastle’s city centre for 50 years and remains a place that means a great deal to so many people who live, work and visit here. The anniversary mural is a wonderful way to celebrate that history while looking ahead to the future of the city.”
Alongside celebrating its history, Eldon Square, as a patron of the British Fashion Council, is also looking to the future through partnerships with organisations including Fenwick and Newcastle College – all in a bid to supporting creativity and culture in the region.
Today, Eldon Square welcomes more than 26 million visitors each year and remains at the heart of Newcastle’s city centre, bringing together leading brands, dining experiences and entertainment.
