An iconic destination for people
The waterfront and bridges of Newcastle are iconic landmarks for the city, yet there remained significant untapped potential for what the Quayside could do for the people of Newcastle. Gehl worked closely with NE1, businesses, residents, and key actors to create a vision for the future of Newcastle Quayside, aiming to transform it into an iconic destination for people.
As part of the engagement process, Gehl provided an online survey where 3,888 residents shared insights, ideas, and local knowledge. Additionally, Gehl engaged with 30 key actors in a vision workshop and collaborated with six professional teams — Faulkner Brown Architects, Colour UDL, Oobe, MawsonKerr, and Ryder Architecture — to develop vision images and strategies. The goal was to integrate future developments, enhance the value of both private and public investments, connect the city center to the riverfront, and propose engaging activities to open up the waterfront to people.
The resultant vision presented five key strategies which were shortlisted and voted on by 2.800 people: creating safe spaces, enhancing lighting, incorporating more greenery, improving connectivity, fostering connections to water, and honoring the area’s historic identity.
Gehl led workshops with local architects and designers to further develop these strategies, blending international expertise with a deep local knowledge. The final strategies and vision were then shared on an online interactive platform, allowing the people of Newcastle to have their say on this shared vision.
