00:01Fresh life and a splash of colour are coming to one of Newcastle's most overlooked areas
00:05thanks to a bold regeneration project focused on creativity and community.
00:10The Creative Central Newcastle scheme, which launched last year,
00:14brought new energy to 4th Lane by transforming it into an open-air urban art gallery.
00:18What was once a dark, run-down alleyway plagued by rubbish and anti-social behaviour
00:22is now brighter, safer and more welcoming to locals and visitors alike.
00:27Now the project is set to expand and a favour £300,000 will be invested into the next phase of the scheme over the next 12 months.
00:35The funding comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will be delivered by NE1, a business improvement district company.
00:42Phase 2 will bring even more vibrant artwork and much-needed lighting to 4th Lane
00:46and extend these improvements onto Pink Lane, which connects Granger Street to a cluster of bars and local businesses.
00:53Pink Lane has been described by Newcastle City Council as having high potential,
00:59but currently underused in attracting anti-social behaviour.
01:03As part of the plan, more large-scale and small-scale artworks will appear throughout the city,
01:08on gable ends, utility cabinets and even within Granger Market,
01:12which is currently undergoing a £9 million restoration.
01:14Councillor Abdul Samad, Newcastle City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Music and Arts,
01:21says the project is giving local artists a platform to grow, while bringing free public art to the community.
01:26He added that art and culture play a crucial role in the life of the city and in the well-being of its residents.
01:32Tariq Alvassam, Director of Operations at NE1, praised the creativity and talent in Newcastle,
01:39saying the initiative is helping to improve the economic fortunes of the city through art.
01:44Thank you all for being part of the city.
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