Newcastle makes plans to green up Grey Street

Newcastle City Council has announced new plans to revitalise Grey Street, making it greener and more welcoming for citizens and visitors.

The local authority has confirmed streets will be permanently widened to make it easier for people to use the streets and a northbound cycling route will be put in place.

All pay and display parking will also be removed to reduce traffic on the street, but dedicated loading bays will remain for delivery vans. Further consideration is being given to bays used by blue badge holders.

Proposals are in line with the city council’s climate ambitions to reach net zero by 2030, ahead of its new Clean Air Zone launching early next year.

Cllr Jane Byrne, Cabinet Member for a connected, clean city at Newcastle Council said: ‘I am very proud to be revealing the new plans for Grey Street following our review of the scheme as part of our commitment to a carbon neutral city for future generations.

‘Our plans will bring people and nature together and make the best use of available space for people of all ages.  It will significantly improve the landscape, with rain gardens and planting designed to enhance this magnificent street, while at the same time contributing to climate resilience and a reduced carbon footprint.

‘The improvements will also support local business and help deliver economic growth for the whole city as well as providing opportunities that will enrich the city’s cultural offerings.’

New rain gardens, which provide a sustainable draining solution and help to reduce flooding risk, will be built on Grey Street.

A new and improved planting scheme will also be implemented to support biodiversity, with hard concrete to be replaced with natural planting to reduce surface temperatures, heat retention and carbon dioxide levels.

Additionally, the space will be made more accessible, with new seating and space for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

To further green up the area, bollards will be removed and temporary planters installed in their place to improve the street in the short-term.

Photo by Boris YUE