The Ouseburn Valley was one of the first industrial suburbs in Newcastle due to its prime location along the river. In the 17th century it was home to the manufacturing of glass and pottery, and later many warehouses. But by the end of the second world war the areas industries were in decline and much of the local population were rehomed.
In the 2000s, there was a push for Ouseburn’s regeneration as Newcastle more broadly wanted to frame itself as a creative and cultural centre rather than solely a party city. Since 2003, it is estimated that £67 million of investment has been pumped into the Valley alongside over 50 regeneration projects.
Is this 'regeneration' a disguise for gentrification which excludes local communities?
Now it is home to diverse pubs like The Cluny known for its music, The Ship known for its fully vegan menu, and The Tyne Bar which is a Sam Fender favourite. It also offers a space for families with Seven Stories a museum of children’s books, Ouseburn farm where you can walk their goats, and Di Meo’s ice cream shop selling award winning flavours.
As someone who works in the valley, it is no longer the working-class area it once was and now the target audience is, let’s say… wealthy. You have to be considering a pint can set you back £8. While the money invested in the area has boosted local businesses, tourism and culture, is this ‘regeneration’ a disguise for gentrification which excludes the local communities?
Boundary changes in 2009 officially separated Ouseburn from Byker, establishing the Valley as a firmly middle-class constituency. The rapid building of luxury housing in the area has impacted the very artistic scene Ouseburn has become known for, with Sam Fender saying in an interview for Dazed: “It’s really starting to fuck with the music scene.”
So, while Ouseburn may be the cool hotspot of the city with its food, drink, artist and music scene regeneration has its negative effects and the increasingly expensive area is beginning to shut out artists and local communities.