Urban Explorers: Ouseburn

Explore the North East's urban past and present during this programme of walking tours. As little as 40 years ago the Ouseburn Valley was a sorry looking, edgy backwater of Newcastle City. Regeneration, spearheaded by arts and cultural occupation and supported by the public purse has helped to bring about the closest thing to an 'urban village' in Tyneside. We will see the evidence and hear the stories behind how new and older housing development in the valley has been integrated carefully to positively impact the nature of place without curtailing or extinguishing pre-existing uses or businesses that have made the vibrant change over those decades possible. Tour leader Tim Bailey is an architect, graduating from Newcastle University in 1990 and setting up a practice, xsite architecture, in 2000. The practice has been based in the Ouseburn since 2006, and been involved with many projects across scales that have contributed to regeneration in the area. Important information • The tour runs 10.30–12.30 • The group will meet at Ouseburn Farm • The tour is on foot and will involve considerable walking • Attendees are advised to ensure they are prepared for all conditions Image credit: Andrew Curtis