Heritage Lottery Funding breathes new life into the heart of Newcastle

Newcastle’s treasured 13th century Black Gate is being transformed into a world-class historic attraction in a £1.67m Heritage Lottery Funded restoration project. The whole building will be opened up to the public for the first time to create a new visitor venue for the city featuring a permanent exhibition, learning centre, shop and café. A state of the art lift on the exterior of the Black Gate, sanctioned by English Heritage, will allow visitors to easily access the three floors of the unique medieval building. The Black Gate was a formidable addition to the exposed western side of the defensive walls in 1247 by King Henry II and gave access to the Castle precinct where the Keep still stands today. These buildings are rich with stories from Newcastle’s past and form the literal ‘new castle on the Tyne’ at the heart of the city’s heritage. Early building work has already unearthed many of the hidden stories hidden within the fabric of the site, including an 1880 copy of the Bayeux tapestry hidden behind nineteenth century bookshelves. It was created by Victorian author and historian Rev. John Collingwood Bruce whose memorial is in the nearby Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas. There is even some original graffiti by musical hall legend George Formby, who left his signature behind on a wall on one of his many visits to the city. Councillor David Stockdale, deputy cabinet member for public health, culture, leisure and libraries at Newcastle City Council, said: “This ambitious project reflects the pride we have in our heritage and our resolute commitment to protecting and preserving our most iconic buildings. “The sensitively undertaken renovation will create a new attraction which is a huge boost to our regional tourism offer and also give local residents the unique chance to visit a building at the centre of their city’s identity”. The Black Gate has remained unoccupied since the Society of Antiquaries moved to the Great North Museum. The renovation project is being coordinated by the Heart of the City Partnership, which includes representatives from Newcastle City Council, the Society of Antiquaries and the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas. Building work is due to be completed by the end of the year and will be followed by the installation of new permanent exhibition telling the site’s unique story. The project is due to be completed by May 2014. Newcastle City Council has contributed £167,000 to the project.