From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Newcastle Civic Centre is a civic centre located
in the Haymarket area of Newcastle
upon Tyne, England. It
is the main administrative and ceremonial centre for Newcastle City Council.[1]
Designed by the city architect, George Kenyon[2], the
building was completed in 1967 and was formally opened by HM King
Olav V of
Norway on 14 November 1968.[3]
History
Plans to build a new city hall[4] on the
site at Barras Bridge had been proposed prior to the outbreak of
the Second World
War, to the point of holding an architectural competition,
although these were halted by the war; and due to post-war
restrictions on capital expenditure, it was not
until August 1956 that authorisation to begin construction was
granted. During the interim period, the demolition of houses and a
former Eye Hospital on the intended site was implemented.[3]
Work commenced on the building in May 1960, and the foundation stone was laid by the Lord
Mayor, Alderman Mrs Gladys
Robson, on 30 November 1960. The building was completed in 1967 and
was formally opened by HM King Olav V of Norway on 14 November 1968.
The total construction cost was £4,855,000.[3]
On 6 May 1977, the Civic Centre was visited by the 39th President of the United
States, Jimmy
Carter, who delivered a speech famously containing the Geordie phrase
"Ha'way-tha-lads!"[5] A stone
commemorating the event was placed in the Centre grounds.[6] On
October 5th 2009, Secret Affair wiII be the first Iive
music act to have performed at the Civic Centre.
Sculpture and art works
The Civic Centre is also notable for its modern sculptures, in
particular the "River God Tyne" and "Swans in Flight", both by
David Wynne.[7]. The
cashiers reception of the rates hall has an abstract mural by Victor
Pasmore.
References
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