Word on the Street
We may be living in very uncertain times right now, but our city continues to drive forward with new openings, dream developments and inspiring charity stories. Here's what's been going on in the city in recent months...
STUNNING HELIX HOMES
Imagine calling Newcastle Helix home? That will soon be a reality for house hunters across the region! Newcastle City Council and Carbon Homes have recently announced details of a new housing scheme coming to the city centre. The Toon will soon be welcoming 66 new homes to the the city centre, and they’ll be jam-packed with modern features such as Bond-style moveable walls. Newcastle University is getting involved too; they have reserved five of the properties so they can test innovative technologies and help drive the housing sector forward. Exciting news indeed!
WORK BEGINS ON BALMBRA’S
The Bigg Market’s rejuvenation, led by NE1, continues at pace with the transformation of one of Newcastle’s most iconic and famous buildings, Balmbra’s on the Cloth Market! Immortalised in the local anthem, The Blaydon Races, Balmbra’s interior was largely destroyed by fire in 2014, but now with the help of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and as part of NE1’s Bigg Market project, its owners the Malhotra Group are redeveloping the building for interim use and will receive a grant to restore the building’s historic exterior. Balmbra’s will be the sixth building in the area to receive a grant as part of the project, which has also seen the transformation of the public realm in the area, and we can’t wait to see its beautiful exterior restored, and a fab new business installed to add even more to the changing face of the Bigg Market, Cloth Market and Groat Market.
FABULOUS FED’S
It's no secret that the Toon is brimming with glorious foodie spots, but we’re chomping at the bit to welcome the new kid on the block! Fried chicken connoisseurs, FED’S are coming to NE1, and we can't wait to see what it's all about! Having delighted hungry patrons at The Dog & Parrot, the guys at FED’S have just announced that they will be moving into their first permanent home at the Grainger Market, unit 87-88 in alley 2. Let's give them all the support in the world once we return to the city!
MARVELLOUS MAGPYE
A local, inspiring independent has bagged themselves a massive distribution deal with our friends at Fenwick! Magpye and their delicious plant-based pies have been making big waves, and news of their huge distribution deal now means their culinary creations will be enjoyed across the region and beyond. Founded by husband and wife team, Chris and Sarah Fryer, Magpye originally started out as a food truck back in 2019 and the team toured around the region in a converted horsebox treating hungry pie-lovers at fairs, festivals and farmer's markets! Now, you can spot their delicious pies in Fenwick Food Hall! Hard work and perseverance really does pay off. Congrats guys!
THEY'VE GOT THE EDGE
Our creative chums over at Edge Agency have taken home the award for ‘Best Creative Agency in Newcastle’ at the recent Prestige Awards,
lovely stuff! Fighting off fierce competition from across the region, and after receiving glowing recommendations from clients and the judging panels, the team can add this award to their burgeoning reputation for delivering fantastic work, and great results. Having recently finished work on their new offices in the Bigg Market, it’s fair to say it has been a productive few months, and we’re sure there’s even more to come from these content kings!
REIGHT TRAVEL GROUP
We’re absolutely loving the sound of this fabulous offer from the party planning experts at Reight Travel Group! This winter, they're offering you and your bubble a virtual escape room all from the comfort of your own home, and it’s complete with a decadent afternoon tea featuring all your favourite treats too. They’re a much-loved NE1 business standing tall over on Forth Banks, and they’re renowned for organising and creating some incredible events in some pretty cool locations. So, apart from checking out this killer offer this November, head on over to their website, plan your perfect event and relax as the Reight Travel experts bring your idea to life. You’re onto a winner with this lot!
