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.

  • The sandstone terrace on St Mary's Street.
  • St Thomas' Church.

Move away from the Civic Centre down the Ceremonial Way towards St Mary's Place. Note the sandstone terrace to the right across the road, facing St Thomas' Church. This was one of Richard Grainger's (builder) and John Dobson's (designer) first collaborations. The church, which shares its grounds with the Civic Centre, was also designed by Dobson.

Another sign that the '60's planners had high regard for these men and their work is the naming of John Dobson street after Dobson, though some would argue the street is hardly a tribute. Proceed down John Dobson Street to its first intersection with Northumberland Road and pause.

Take a pause

"Northumberland Road had a much more important sense of itself previously as a route into the north end of the city from the east..." Read more

Comments

"The recent developments to Old Eldon Square took 7 or 8 years worth of effort..." Read more

Tour map

Download the map and a summary of the walk - PDF 163Kb