I am impressed. Perhaps the worst time since 1939 to try to start up a business but The Old Coal Yard have ambition that is commendable. I have watched this enterprise grow from frankly unpromising prospects in the 'no person's land' between 'Battlefield' and Byker Bridge, but I have along the way marvelled at the energy and creative drive to turn what was once a scrap yard into first a micro brewery and now something else moving beyond. There have been a few such moves in the last decade, building on transformed spaces and opportunities .

It's what we need now more than ever.

Time for this blog to make a survey of 'Creative Battlefield'!