(Image: Thomas Jackson / TyneSight Media)
One of the North East's busiest pedestrian thoroughfares has been transformed into a permanent urban art gallery as part of an ambitious project to improve a key city centre subway network.
The project, led by Newcastle NE1, saw one of the subways beneath the 55 Degrees North roundabout in Newcastle converted into a 75-metre-long gallery.
The gallery features 39 pieces of bespoke artwork created by 90 art students from Newcastle College.
55 Creative - Connecting people from spaces to places, was delivered in partnership with Newcastle City Council
(Image: Thomas Jackson / TyneSight Media)
Louise Debnam, placemaking project manager at NE1, said: "The subways at 55 Degrees North are a key pedestrian route connecting the city’s retail core with the iconic Quayside.
"Transforming this previously unloved part of the city into a pleasant, welcoming, and fun environment was a key goal of NE1’s five-year business plan at our last renewal vote, and we are delighted to have delivered these first steps.
"The transformation is clear for all to see and has created a much more pleasant environment for pedestrians.
55 Creative - Connecting people from spaces to places, was delivered in partnership with Newcastle City Council
(Image: Thomas Jackson / TyneSight Media)
"We are thrilled with the results."
The project, named 55 Creative - Connecting people from spaces to places, was delivered in partnership with Newcastle City Council.
It forms part of wider improvements to the 55 Degrees North roundabout, formerly known as the Swan House roundabout, which serves as the main pedestrian link between the city’s retail core and the famous Quayside.
NE1 challenged students to design artwork for permanent display in the subway, using the theme of spaces and places.
Some of the 39 pieces of bespoke artwork created by 90 art students from Newcastle College
(Image: Thomas Jackson / TyneSight Media)
The resulting pieces draw inspiration from the 60s pop art movement, with Andy Warhol’s iconic style a key influence.
Ms Debnam said: "Whilst NE1 runs regular volunteer programmes across the city, this project was one of the most ambitious and challenging to date, in terms of timescale and the sheer extent of the area needing improvement.
"We were overwhelmed by the response from neighbouring businesses and the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers who gave their precious time to improve the area for the good of the whole city.
Some of the 39 pieces of bespoke artwork created by 90 art students from Newcastle College
(Image: Thomas Jackson / TyneSight Media)
"A special thanks to all our volunteers, and the staff and students at Newcastle College who enthusiastically embraced the artistic challenge; the results show the amazing creative talent we have in the city.
"We hope everyone enjoys the new Urban Gallery as they pass through."
In addition to the gallery, three subways are being renovated and whitewashed with the help of 100 volunteers from local businesses and 20 young people gaining work experience.
Some of the 39 pieces of bespoke artwork created by 90 art students from Newcastle College
(Image: Thomas Jackson / TyneSight Media)
The whitewashing project required 400 litres of paint and 780 volunteer hours and covered more than 1,500 square metres of wall space.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of August.
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Some of the 39 pieces of bespoke artwork created by 90 art students from Newcastle College
(Image: Thomas Jackson / TyneSight Media)
Councillor Peter Lovatt, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local services at Newcastle City Council, said: "This has been a real team effort and we’re delighted to have worked in partnership with NE1, students from Newcastle College, and the fantastic team of volunteers to help deliver these much-needed improvements.
"The artwork that the students have designed, alongside the new lighting and other improvements that have already been made in the subways, will help to create a much brighter space that feels safer and more pleasant for those using this city centre pedestrian route."
The project also provided work experience to 22 young people through the Department of Work and Pensions and the Newcastle United Foundation.