Urban Translation
Explore the less familiar side of Newcastle and discover the remnants of grand visions and unresolved spaces which characterise parts of the city.
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The Tour begins, perhaps appropriately given the city's genesis, at the foot of the River God Tyne sculpture which adorns the Civic Centre entrance. This section of the building was completed in 1969, though the whole project began in 1958 with the construction of the Rates Hall.
The architect throughout was George Kenyon and the forms and materials make the structure highly distinctive and unlike most other City Halls in Britain. Built of Portland Stone and adorned with Norwegian Otta slate it was officially opened by that country's King Olav V in 1968.
Despite associations we might have about 1960's modernity and egalitarianism, the building's physical features evoke a 20th century medieval romanticism with Nordic overtones; from the torch-bearing lanterns along the Ceremonial Way to the chapter-house like council chamber and crowning seahorse turret. A new castle for Newcastle?
