Enterprise in adversity

The steady growth in significant changes around Battlefield (a.k.a. City Stadium) that enhanced its survival as much as anything else has been placed into reverse by a pandemic and consequent shut downs. Whilst the benefits of fewer cars on the roads and public movement to wildlife in our city have been noted by many and reported widely, the cost to local, frequently very community orientated, enterprises has been severe. The outlook for their survival must be grim, the level of disappointment that so much personal time and effort is jeopardised, great.

The appearance of several small enterprises stimulated by the availability of quirky properties that no one else thought of monetising – yet – and a much increased local population of the young and the young-ish in what was always a 'hidden gem' of interesting history and possibilities along the Ouseburn Valley, not least precious inner city green space in a networked corridor*, has led to much that is good for the future in a short time. This would not have happened had the former paint factory in Shieldfield had been developed for unwanted office blocks and the not-really-open-space City Stadium had been spread with tarmac for car parks, as was suggested at the end of the last century by our ever compliant with corporate interests Labour Council. Come the last ten years and the prospects for this area have been transformed mostly by the enterprise of groups and individuals, co-ops and single traders with energy. Now something so small we need a powerful electron microscope to see it has brought this to a sudden halt. It made stop for some time, if not for good.

We have to stay the course. I can't believe 'this is it' for all that creative drive. It's not hope we require but conviction. I am sure tomorrow will come.

Meanwhile, a salute to some** small (and couple not so small) local enterprises who have and are making a difference. I left out the Lower Ouseburn in this survey, since that is mostly more 'mature' and businesses there have put down roots. Here's to some of the new comers. I wish them well.

Coal Yard. Micro brewery cum leisure facility 

in an 'interesting' spot

between Byker and Battlefield

Don't know much about this one. But I like the use of space

That is what I call making yourself stand out! Stepney Bank

A great building that stands surrounded
by off shore financed student dwellings

Ernest's. The 'old hand' here and still going – thankfully

The Biscuit Factory. Like it or not, a key player in

confounding the City Planner's disregard for Shieldfield.

Wonderful views over the 'Valley' from here.

The Garage. I should go more. I love the sheer eccentricity; 

it's transformed a very dull corner of Shieldfield

Someone complained about the 'hard standing'.

I like a gravel parking space. Great banter with these blokes

The Star and Shadow. 
Given time this co-op can be as big a transformer of attitudes 

towards the Shieldfield area as the Biscuit Factory was two decades before

* Typically, a City Council National Heritage Lottery Fund award for money to develop the string of parks down the Ouseburn from South Gosforth omitted 'Battlefield'. This was because the City Planners wanted to 'do something with it' – i.e hand it over to private 'developers', one kind of snake oil salespeople or another. Schemes to make someone living in tax haven far way even wealthier came and went. Now I think the future looks secure for this piece of blessed green space, but never take your eye off the City Planners. Ever.

** If I have left anyone out please get in touch. E-mail link in sidebar.