They’re classing up The Bigg Market

It’s getting the facelift it needs


It is where you go for your cheesy karaoke, cheesy pop nights, and not forgetting the cheesy chips.

And now Newcastle’s notorious drinking destination is getting a £2.6 million cash injection in order to revamp the area.

NE1 Ltd, the business improvement district company for Newcastle city centre, hopes to restore The Bigg Market’s listed buildings and improve the quality of business in the area.

The work is due to start early next year.

You can’t polish a turd

Looks as rough as its regulars

Speaking to The Chronicle NE1 Ltd’s chief executive said: “The Bigg Market has been failing to add value to the city for years.

“This project will reverse this.

“It provides a real opportunity to recreate a historic quarter in Newcastle that is also commercially sustainable, making a positive contribution to the city centre in future.

“We are confident this positive first step will give private investors the confidence to bring forward their own investment plans, potentially worth millions to the area and local economy.”

Illustrations created by Jesmond-based architects Plus 3 give an idea of how it may look.

It has been suggested the public toilets could be transformed into a commercial venture.