Plans unveiled for Newcastle creative hub

A “landmark” city centre development is set to boost Newcastle’s creative economy with a new workspace for artists and cultural businesses.

Newcastle City Council has unveiled plans for a £1.7 million creative hub next to Grainger Market, in partnership with Cobalt Studios CIC and backed by funding from the North East Combined Authority.

The scheme will transform a site on Clayton Street and Nelson Street into a four-storey, 8600sq ft facility, providing affordable studios, shared workspaces and exhibition areas for up to 45 creatives.

Alongside studio space, the hub will include community areas, a café and retail space, creating a destination for both artists and visitors.

Cobalt Studios will operate the site, offering flexible access options and prioritising early-career and underrepresented creatives.

The development will also act as a central location for Creative Central NCL, a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening the city’s cultural sector.

Vikki Leaney, project manager for Creative Central NCL, said: “This marks an exciting moment for Creative Central NCL and Newcastle’s creative economy.

“One of the key challenges we wanted to address with Creative Central NCL was the shortage of affordable and secure creative workspaces in the city centre.

“Over the last 18 months we’ve been working behind the scenes to bring this unused space into the Creative Central NCL project so it can be revitalised and made available to the independent artists and creatives in Newcastle.

“In Cobalt Studios, we’ve found the perfect partner, deeply embedded in Newcastle’s cultural scene, and ready to bring energy, experience, and vision to our new creative hub.”

Kate Hodgkinson, founder and director of Cobalt Studios CIC, added: “Keeping studio spaces affordable is essential to sustaining creative activity in our communities.

“This is a long-term investment in Newcastle’s creative future. 

“We’ll be creating a space where local artists can grow, experiment, and connect with other creative people and with new audiences.

“We will also be developing a programme of affordable and accessible culture. 

“We’re very proud to be involved with this project and excited to have this opportunity and looking forward to expanding our community and getting to know people working and living in the locality.”

Mark Collett, director of Cobalt Studios CIC, added: “It all starts with space.

“So, the opportunity to take the reins of one on Newcastle’s most historic buildings and bring new life to it is an honour for us and an exciting extension of Cobalt. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing new communities develop, one story at a time!”

Designed by MawsonKerr, the project is expected to generate more than £2 million in economic value while supporting job creation and safeguarding roles across the city.

Once complete, the hub is set to complement wider regeneration efforts in the city centre, including ongoing improvements to Grainger Market.

The building is currently under development and is scheduled to open in autumn 2026.

Councillor Abdul Samad, cabinet member for culture, music and arts at Newcastle City Council, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the creative sector in Newcastle and we want to make the most of it for many years to come.

“The development of this creative hub and crucially, affordable workspaces, means our artists and creatives can thrive right here in Newcastle without the need to seek employment or adventure elsewhere.

“It will also support the growth of this vital sector in Newcastle, supporting independent creatives and small businesses flourish and contribute to our economy.

“We’re looking forward to working with Cobalt Studios CIC as they develop and grow this space into the kind of energetic and inclusive cultural destination that they have become known for over the years.”

To register interest in workspace opportunities, click here.

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