40 years of Newcastle Quayside

Newcastle Quayside is celebrating 40 years since the first steps were taken to reimagine this once industrial stretch of the Tyne, and for us it’s a moment to reflect on a place that helped shape who we are today.

Back in the 1980s, the Quayside had fallen into decline, far from the lively neighbourhood people recognise now. We became involved as the development partner. We were tasked with bringing architect Sir Terry Farrell’s masterplan to life and helping to turn a derelict waterfront into a place the city could be proud of.

That early experience set the foundations for how we work across the UK today: through long-term partnerships, clear vision and a belief that great places should be centred around the people who use them every day.

A legacy of partnership

The Quayside was one of the first examples of our partnership-led approach, which is now something that defines us and sits at our heart. Whether in Salford, St Helens, Bradford or Wythenshawe, our work is driven by collaboration and a shared ambition to create places with purpose.

Here in the North East, that approach has only strengthened. We’ve grown our team, broadened our partnerships and continued supporting places across the region, from Stockton, Gateshead and onwards to Durham, as they evolve and look to the future.

Marking 40 years

The Farrell Centre – Newcastle University’s public centre for architecture and cities – is marking the anniversary of the landmark Quayside regeneration with a yearlong programme, exploring how housing and city making has and continues to evolve across the North East. Its 2026 season, Housing for All, features exhibitions, talks and walking tours, including a dedicated exhibition celebrating 40 years of Newcastle Quayside. The programme begins on 26th February, when the Centre launched its first events and opens the Quayside exhibition to the public.

We’re looking forward to shining a light on the ideas and partnerships that helped transform this part of the city, and also ow we hope to work together with local partners on the next evolution of Newcastle. As the region continues to grow, we’re committed to bringing our placemaking approach to more neighbourhoods, creating welcoming public spaces, new homes and stronger local economies through the same long-term collaboration that shaped the Quayside.

A place that shaped a city, and us

The Quayside’s transformation turned an area that had fallen into dereliction into a well loved part of the city once again. It reconnected people with the waterfront and restored pride in a key piece of Newcastle’s identity, helping to reintegrate the area back into the fabric of a city.

40 years on, we’re proud to still carry those principles with us – collaboration, local character, and a commitment to creating places that serve communities long into the future.