Chinatown Gets NE1 Makeover to Enhance Newcastle's Famous Quarter

The new decorative lighting has been added to the heart of Chinatown to enhance the area’s distinct character, another stage of NE1’s efforts to promote and celebrate the unique villages which make up Newcastle’s city centre.

Working with the North East Chinese Community, NE1 was keen to celebrate the area, one of the largest Chinatowns in the UK, and one of only four in England to have both an arch and lanterns.

These placemaking efforts were a key pledge in NE1’s new five-year BID renewal programme, answering calls from businesses to make more of the city’s distinct villages, and supporting them to forge their unique identities. In Chinatown, NE1 worked closely with the local community to install 920 Chinese lanterns which will provide a decorative and welcome addition to the street and span over 460m.

Commenting on the new decorative lighting, and its placemaking significance, Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive, NE1 Ltd said:
“NE1 is committed to bringing new life into the city’s public spaces, and creating places in which people want to spend time, whilst working with businesses to celebrate and elevate individual areas within our BID boundary.

“Over our coming five-year term, we have committed to celebrating distinct villages in Newcastle and helping them forge their unique identities. We worked closely with the North East Chinese Association and with local businesses to shape our placemaking efforts in Chinatown.  We are delighted the lanterns have been installed and we love how striking they are. They have added to the area’s character and given it a distinct look.  The lanterns help make the area distinct and instantly recognisable.”

Jimmy Tsang, Owner of Tsang Foods and Chair of the North East Chinese Association said; “We are delighted to see NE1’s efforts focus on Chinatown. The lights are a wonderful addition and help celebrate and highlight the area’s rich cultural history. We hope people will visit us to see the lights and to enjoy the area.”

Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “Newcastle prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming city, a City of Sanctuary. Our Chinese community is well established and the addition of these lanterns on Stowell Street helps celebrate their proud heritage.

“As part of our ongoing programme of development in the city centre we are committed to transform it into more of a destination, and not just a great place to shop or eat.

“I’m sure such an attractive addition to the street will encourage visitors, and this will inevitably help to support a more inclusive economy and bring in valuable revenue to the businesses on the street.”

Tom Walmsley, Regional Sales and Project Manager for Blachere who provided and installed the lanterns said; “It's been an absolute pleasure to work with the team at NE1 and with the local community to bring this exciting project to life in such a vibrant part of Newcastle. We hope locals and tourists alike will enjoy the display and we look forward to partnering with NE1 on other projects in the future.”