Newcastle City Council has confirmed that the long-running transformation of Northumberland Street, the busiest high street in the North East, is in its final stages. The multi-million pound project, which began in December 2023, has faced a year-long delay and is now expected to be completed in summer 2026.
Delays Due to Underground Utilities
The refurbishment, which includes 50ft 'Pilgrim Pole' lighting pillars, new seating, trees, and repaving, was originally slated for completion in summer 2025. However, delays were blamed on the complex patchwork of utilities discovered beneath the street. Council chiefs say only 'finishing touches' remain.
Several sections of Northumberland Street remain fenced off, particularly where sealant around new paving stones is being finished to protect the surface from pedestrian traffic. The sixth and final Pilgrim Pole, at the Blackett Street end, was delayed due to high-voltage utility cables found beneath its intended location. Foundations have now been laid, and installation will occur over the next few weeks.
Final Power Connections
Once the final pole is erected, the only outstanding work will be the power connections to enable all Pilgrim Poles to be switched on. Lib Dem councillor Owen Burbidge, cabinet member for inclusive economy and skills, stated: 'Northumberland Street's transformation is now in its final stages, with the vast majority of works complete and only finishing touches remaining.'
He added: 'Our administration took office in May with this project already nearing completion, and our focus is on supporting the project team and partners to ensure the remaining works are delivered as quickly and safely as possible.'
New Features and Design
The street now boasts more than 90 seats, a nearly fourfold increase, along with rain gardens planted with flowers and grasses for sustainable drainage. Twenty-two new trees have been planted, chosen for seasonal interest. The repaving uses a design inspired by Newcastle's medieval heritage and the Lindisfarne Gospels tapestry, reflecting the street's historic route to Holy Island.
Coun Burbidge noted: 'Five of the six Pilgrim Poles are now in place and, together with the other new lighting, are already enhancing the character of the street.' He thanked businesses, residents, and visitors for their patience, calling it 'one of the most significant public realm improvements ever undertaken on Northumberland Street.'
