Newcastle doesn't do well for parks. One had a motor way built through it on two sides and the other survived – survives? – by accident.
Exhibition Park as come on a lot since it suffered the blow of being amputated from the city by a road scheme. Making best of a bad deal.
Leazes Park was the subject of a devious plot but in one bound was set free, despite the best (sneaky, underhand) efforts of the Council, Hall Enterprises and the Freemen of the City. The proposed Sporting Club of Newcastle United with private access, exclusive shops and gym etc., etc. were never really on. Leazes in actually part of the Town Moor and so Common Land, protected by Act of Parliament. I was persuaded by a long time observer of things Newcastle that the 'scheme' was a scam. But Leazes remains and thrives too.
As 'the virus' continues, we hear much about the changes the year of quarantines and restrictions on our daily lives will mean long term. The consequences for two previously bubbling along nicely sectors, student accommodation and offices are sharply in view. Newcastle's universities relied for their financial security on overseas, especially Chinese students; even before Covid-19 that was looking shaky and now positively dire as we come out of the Chinese silver lining that marked the first two decades of this century. An obvious bubble. Then there is the continuing mystery of office building where few of the completed blocks have ever had paying occupants.
On top of which the famed High Street that boggled the small mind of at least one over promoted functionary heading English Estates last century –'High Street U.K.' flopped in 2008 with the Banker's Gambling Debt crisis.
Forward thinkers are now looking at the post Covid city. What some have suggested will form the discussion in my next post. Meanwhile here's a look at our two isolated but precious green spaces in winter. Photographic gallery: Leazes Park here. (off site link) Exhibition Park here (off site link)
