The Bigg Market

As a key priority in NE1's second BID term, the project set out to transform the economic fortunes of the Bigg Market. 

Our objective was to capitalise on the area's fabulous heritage value and deliver an attractive, commercially sustainable destination of quality in the heart of the city. Situated centrally in the area between the recently regenerated Central Station, Grey's Monument and Grey Street, and on the walking route to the Quayside via St Nicholas' Cathedral and the Black Gate it was essential that the Bigg Market evolved to make a positive contribution to the wider city centre. 

In late 2014, NE1 applied to the Heritage Lottery fund (HLF) under the Townscape Heritage programme for £1.6mn of grant funding to help rejuvenate the Bigg Market, whilst protecting and restoring a key part of the city's rich heritage.
With other match funding contributions, including from NE1, the City Council and landlords themselves, the project pot was worth some £3.2mn.

When complete in 2022 the outcome was beyond even our expectations with 12 properties in the area restored, 9 new businesses, more than £17mn worth of private sector investment and over 300 new jobs created. The new public realm has created space for businesses to trade where once this was impossible, and new ventures continue to open in the vicinity, adding to an already burgeoning environment in the heart of the city centre.

Further information can be found at www.ne1biggmarket.co.uk where you can read about our historical film collating people's memories of the area, the project's numerous awards including the Lord Mayor's Design Award, and information on murals and artistic installations which were facilitated by NE1.