New public art and overhead installation set to transform one of Newcastle’s most historic streets

New public artworks, an overhead gateway installation, and a raft of other interventions are transforming Pink Lane in Newcastle city centre, with pieces from 17 artists appearing on the street across the spring.

Pink Lane is one of Newcastle city centre’s most distinctive streets and a conservation area on the main walking route from Central Station into the heart of the city. The street takes its name from the medieval Pink Tower, the only coloured tower in Newcastle’s historic Town Wall, which once stood at the junction with Clayton Street.

Now an extensive programme which includes new public art and place-making installations is transforming it, delivered through a partnership between Newcastle City Council, Creative Central NCL and NE1, funded by Newcastle City Council, the North East Combined Authority, and part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The overhead gateway installation, delivered by NE1, was designed by MawsonKerr Architects and developed and built by Newcastle-based art and architecture studio Raskl. It marks the entrance to the lane from Westgate Road and Neville Street, alongside the new murals and hand-painted illustrations by local artists which are transforming the lane’s walls and shopfronts.

Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet Member for Culture, Music and Arts at Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle’s cultural identity is shining brighter than ever, and we’re seeing a real resurgence in creativity across the city, thanks in no small part to the work of Creative Central NCL and initiatives like this.

“By working in partnership with NE1 and others, we’re helping to position Newcastle as a leading cultural destination and a place where creativity can flourish, and the cultural sector can thrive.

“Pink Lane is a much-loved part of the city, with its own rich history, character and community. By bringing local artists into the project, this initiative is helping to reinvigorate the street’s identity and create a vibrant place that businesses and residents can feel proud of – somewhere people will want to visit, experience and enjoy.”

Works already in place include sections of the new gateway and murals by Bobzilla, Millie Avis, Van Goth and Cackhanded Kid, and AlecLDN. Each artist has created new pieces for specific locations along the lane, responding to the street’s architecture, its independent businesses, and its place in the city. Much of the work is hand-painted directly onto the street’s walls and surfaces.

The gateway installation is among the most striking and technically ambitious elements of the programme, Dan Rose, Director at Raskl, said “Installing illuminated fabric over a live pedestrian street is not without its challenges, and this project has been genuinely technically demanding. It deserved a solution that felt considered and permanent while looking as light as air – and that contradiction is exactly what drew us to the scheme. We’re proud of what the team has achieved alongside NE1 and Creative Central NCL, and it’s a strong addition to Newcastle’s public realm.”

Pink Lane currently hosts an eclectic mix of independent businesses — creative studios, hospitality, beauty, and arts venues — and sits on a key pedestrian route into the city centre. Its location and history make it one of the most significant streets in central Newcastle, and one that has long deserved greater investment in its public realm.

The partnership is collectively investing more than £130,000 in the transformation of Pink Lane, with £82,500 going directly to artists and creatives as paid commissions, alongside wider interventions including a new gateway installation, improved lighting, and new wayfinding.

Tariq Albassam, Director of Operations at NE1 said: “It has been a pleasure working collaboratively with Newcastle City Council and Creative Central NCL to widen the scope of this project. The variety of interventions will transform this important street, making it a more attractive place to visit, spend time, and do business. We’re especially grateful to all the businesses who have supported the gateway installation and worked with us to ensure it could be delivered. We are delighted with the results. The artwork and installation look fabulous and are a striking addition, giving the street its own distinct identity.”

The programme continues into spring with a major new work planned for the  Newcastle Chinese Christian Church by artist MarkOne87 and more artworks are coming from Sheldo, Toby Heaps, Vanguard Newcastle, Ryan Roadkill, Imogen Clarke, Lincoln Lightfoot, Anthony Downie and more.

It builds on the Forth Lane Urban Gallery, delivered by Creative Central NCL, Project North East, Newcastle Arts Centre and NE1 in 2024 and now in its second phase.

Works will continue to appear on Pink Lane through to spring, with the street staying open to visitors throughout.