St Andrew’s Way – double pic special
St Andrew’s Way is finally open. This shot is taken from Blackett Bridge, looking past what would used to be the Green Market on the left and towards what would have been Argos at the top, where Debenhams is now.
I only walked along St Andrew’s Way; I didn’t go into any of the shops, because (possibly due to half term) it was packed, but they have done a good job of eliminating all that was there before. I found it really hard to get my bearings and was surprised to come out on Clayton Street – even though that’s where I would have come out (via the Green Market) when leaving there before.
The outside, looking down Clayton Street. This used to be the Green Market and Safeways. Opposite is the Grainger Market.
I quite like the reflection of the building opposite on the left of this shot.
Holy crap that looks so different. I used to get all my second hand comics from a little bookshop (Bookworm’s Paradise?) run by an old couple on the ground floor of the Green Market. And got my Amiga from a computer shop on the first floor.
Amazing isn’t it?
Yes I went in today too, and it was mobbed. So had to make do with a walk along the new mall. It’s good isn’t it? But I can’t understand the purpose of such a huge Apple store.
Also went to the Baltic; God it was awful!
I don’t recognise this perspective at all. Did Safeway relocate or did they just close the store?
If I must go inside Eldon for some shopping it seems no matter what day of the week, it is always this crowded…it’s like they are giving it away.
Ash Safeway sold out to Morrisons sometime ago. The Monopolies people made them sell off some stores and some just closed. My local Safeway is now Sainsbury .
B Thanks for these. I can remember the old Green Market, but because of mobility problems it is very unlikely that I will be able to see for myself the changes made.
MikeM
Thanks Mike! It has been a while since I’ve been to “doon the toon” so this is all a real eye opener for me. As for the mobility issue, if we are talking about wheelchair access I have had experience with this during the last years with my own mother who was confined to a wheelchair. Eldon isn’t the easiest place to get around when so crowded, even more difficult with a wheelchair…quite slow going and no way going into an actual store/shop…we did a lot of window shopping I recall.
Dave, I was amazed at the size of the Apple store too – but I guess they must think the customers are out there to make it worth it….
The Baltic was awful?!? The exhibitions that are on at the mo or the place in general? I’ll be most upset if you mean the place in general – I love it
Ash, the last Safeway in the UK closed in 2005 so it’s been gone that long at least. However I can’t remember for sure what happened to this site – I think it stayed empty for the two years between the supermarket chain closing and the Greenmarket being demolished, but I’m not sure – anyone want to confirm either way? And does this picture (taken from a little further back) help you get your bearings? That one’s taken on the corner of Clayton St and Nun Street outside the Duke of Northumberland pub.
MikeM, if you want any pics of anywhere else just shout! I have a load of stuff to put on flickr but no time. Soon hopefully.
Ash one of my friends said after she had a kid that she would love to have a map of Newcastle that showed where is accessible with a pushchair. One day if I have the time I’ll make one to show accessibility for all kinds of issues. In fact I think it’s a bit awful if something like that doesn’t already exist.
I must admit that the interior looks nice but I’m not sure about the exterior. It is a few years since I gave up my hatred of the Metro Centre and accepted the inevitable, I would go where there was less traffic and free parking. Shopping in Newcastle does not attract me at all. I can’t think of one shop in Eldon Square that would draw me in unless it was Publishers Book Clearance. My half dozen or so visits to the town each year are usually restricted to a haircut, a visit to Windows in the Central arcade via Grey Street, Waterstones in Emerson Chambers and a variable wander back to the car which will be parked on the Side near the Black Gate.
Thanks Beth,
No I LOVE the Baltic – I mean the exhibitions on at the moment (and there isn’t much on generally). I’m not really a Damian Hirst fan!
Alf, I haven’t really examined the new Eldon bit from the outside too much yet, but I don’t think it looks too good when viewed from Newgate Street, e.g. just opposite St Andrews church and the Co-Op…
Beth, the other photo helped a lot.
I confess we rarely went into Safeway only to walk past heading through to the Green Market. Wheelchair access in any city, so important and a map would be very helpful…just finding where the elevator/lift was located was always a big challenge.
Alf, taking the car into town was always a hair raising experience mostly due to parking the darn thing – then there was me driving on a side of the road I wasn’t used to with pedestians and buses. Taking the bus into town…much easier, less hassle?
that’s ok then dave
i don’t think the outside looks too bad…. better than the bus stops and car park before, no?
glad to help you get your bearings ash! i much prefer getting the bus into town too.