Art to bring to life new town centre event space
The former G Scott Cars site is to be transformed with a series of bold, community‑created artworks that will turn its seven railway arches into a vibrant open‑air gallery, bringing more activity to Gateshead town centre.
Work on the site begins next week, marking a major step in Gateshead Council's plans to turn the disused forecourt into a lively new space for pop‑up food stalls, performances, outdoor workshops and year‑round events.
With funding from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the project aims to inject fresh energy into the Railway Quarter and create a destination that draws people into the town centre.
To develop the seven unique designs, local mural and graffiti artist Mark One87, Creative Director of Elements Arts, has spent months working with the community.
Through a series of hands‑on creative workshops, Gateshead College students, the Gateshead Recovery Partnership, Orbis Community and local businesses all helped shape the look and feel of each artwork — ensuring the pieces reflect the people, culture and character of Gateshead.
Praising the development, Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "It is really encouraging to see this vacant space being brought back into something that can be enjoyed by residents. We want to make more improvements to the Railway Quarter so it's not just the gateway to Gateshead, but a must-visit destination."
Mark One87 shared: "This is a great project to be a part of, transforming another public space into something positive. My approach is always to embed the ideas of local people into the art, as the aim is to bring some new life to a public space. Giving people the chance to influence the design is a great way to build connection to place."
Once complete, the outdoor exhibition will provide an exciting backdrop for future events, cementing the space as a vibrant addition to the Railway Quarter which has proved a hit with locals to eat, drink and relax in recent years.
Mark will work with a team of local artists on the site over the coming weeks. Those who helped inspire the creations are also being invited down to the arches for painting workshops to bring their ideas to life.
The development of this space forms part of the council's ambitious plans to transform the town centre and riverside. It has been funded by the North East Combined Authority as part of Mayor Kim's ambition to bring new life to high streets and town centres and support the small businesses within them.
The former G Scott Cars site is to be transformed with a series of bold, community‑created artworks that will turn its seven railway arches into a vibrant open‑air gallery, bringing more activity to Gateshead town centre.
Work on the site begins next week, marking a major step in Gateshead Council's plans to turn the disused forecourt into a lively new space for pop‑up food stalls, performances, outdoor workshops and year‑round events.
With funding from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the project aims to inject fresh energy into the Railway Quarter and create a destination that draws people into the town centre.
To develop the seven unique designs, local mural and graffiti artist Mark One87, Creative Director of Elements Arts, has spent months working with the community.
Through a series of hands‑on creative workshops, Gateshead College students, the Gateshead Recovery Partnership, Orbis Community and local businesses all helped shape the look and feel of each artwork — ensuring the pieces reflect the people, culture and character of Gateshead.
Praising the development, Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "It is really encouraging to see this vacant space being brought back into something that can be enjoyed by residents. We want to make more improvements to the Railway Quarter so it's not just the gateway to Gateshead, but a must-visit destination."
Mark One87 shared: "This is a great project to be a part of, transforming another public space into something positive. My approach is always to embed the ideas of local people into the art, as the aim is to bring some new life to a public space. Giving people the chance to influence the design is a great way to build connection to place."
Once complete, the outdoor exhibition will provide an exciting backdrop for future events, cementing the space as a vibrant addition to the Railway Quarter which has proved a hit with locals to eat, drink and relax in recent years.
Mark will work with a team of local artists on the site over the coming weeks. Those who helped inspire the creations are also being invited down to the arches for painting workshops to bring their ideas to life.
The development of this space forms part of the council's ambitious plans to transform the town centre and riverside. It has been funded by the North East Combined Authority as part of Mayor Kim's ambition to bring new life to high streets and town centres and support the small businesses within them.
