Work underway on the refurbishment of the Grainger Market roof

Work has begun on a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the roof of Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.

Phil Southern (Esh Build) Cllr Ged Bell and Paul Watson (NCC)

As part of Newcastle City Council’s long-term investment in the market this £3 million refurbishment is integral to the ambitious plans to transform the city centre into the North of England’s leading retail district and a significant European destination.

It follows the £800,000 refurbishment of all the 14 entrances in 2016.

Leading North East construction company Esh Build is undertaking this work. This will include replacing all the glazing in the arcade roof, installation of louvres for air circulation, an upgraded fire safety system, refurbishing the high-level windows, installation of LED lighting, decoration and exposure of original windows on balconies.

The Grainger Market and Arcade will remain open for business throughout the works, which are planned to be completed in March 2020. Both the council and Esh Build are working closely with the market’s traders during this time to make sure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible for both traders and customers.

Trending stories

Cllr Ged Bell talks about the £3m investment to replace, repair and renovate the roof.

Cllr Ged Bell on the importance of the Grainger Market

Councillor Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for Employment and Investment said “The Grainger Market has been at the heart of Newcastle since 1835 and is a much-loved Geordie institution.

“The work to refurbish the roof and the previous refurbishment of the entrances represents a significant investment in the market on behalf of the council. It is testament to our commitment to future-proofing the market and ensuring it remains a major city centre destination for generations to come.

“The market has a major part to play in our future plans for the city centre. It already attracts around 6million visits each year and I hope the improvements being made will encourage more and more people to visit and shop there.

“I very much look forward to seeing the finished result.”

Paul Redman, Divisional Director at Esh Build said ‘It’s great to have been appointed to carry out the roof refurbishment of such an iconic North East market.

“We are committed to making sure that disruption is kept to a minimum for both market traders and customers throughout the project and all works have been scheduled with this in mind”.

The Grainger Market has been at the heart of Newcastle since 1835 and is a much-loved Geordie institution.