New, vibrant artwork has been unveiled across Byker to bring colour, creativity and a renewed sense of pride to key public spaces after Newcastle City Council commissioned a team of acclaimed artists to work with the community to make public spaces feel safer, friendly and more welcoming
The street art is part of the council’s ‘Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets’ project and supports the improvement of local high streets including Shields Road in Byker and is a direct response to local people’s feedback asking for more attractive, greener, public spaces that reflect Byker’s distinctive character.
The concept and design to transform wo dull, grey underpasses that connect to Shields Road into bright, colourful, playful and welcoming public spaces was shaped by Harper Perry Architects with the help of three Newcastle based artist.
Josie Brookes, who is recognised for her bold use of colour, created tiled murals and painted the ceiling to bring warmth and vitality to the first underpass. While artist and designer Tom Madge, who is known for his vibrant community-led projects, added dynamic illustrations to energise the walkway.
For the second underpass Benji Spence, an artist whose designs are known for their joyful shapes and lively compositions, has created art that is full of playful characters and movement.
All three artists worked closely with residents of Tom Collins House and young people from The Lighthouse Project, to turn the underpasses into uplifting spaces that celebrate Byker’s creativity and community spirit.
For the Addison Road the council, in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner, appointed Alec Saunders (also known as ALDCDN) to create the artwork. The London based street artist is known for his community murals including several in Newcastle.
By working with community organisations including Foundation Futures, Alec engaged local young people to co-design artwork for shutters and surrounding walls. The result is striking visual art that animates the once blank facades, enhances the street, celebrates Byker’s character and supports wider efforts to create a safer, more welcoming environment.
These artistic projects build on the success of last year’s cultural programme in Byker which saw events such as Byker Groove and Illuminating Byker attract over 8,000 visitors. The programme has helped transform Hadrian Square, where the events took place, into a lively hub for performance, creativity and community connection.
Jen Hartley, Assistant Director of Capital Investment and Growth at Newcastle City Council, said: “Local high streets are at the beating heart of our neighbourhoods. They are places where people meet, shop work and connect. It is vital that they are safe, welcoming and attractive places that reflect the communities they serve.
“The amazing new artwork shows how the power of creativity can transform public spaces and strengthen community pride. We are delighted that, by working closely with residents and young people, we’ve been able to create vibrant spaces that feel brighter, more inviting and unmistakably Byker.
“The artists have captured the area’s energy, identity and community spirit beautifully and we are proud to support projects like this that help our high streets to thrive.”