Newcastle Civic Centre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newcastle Civic Centre |
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Newcastle Civic Centre
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| General information | |
| Location | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Address | Civic Centre Barras Bridge Haymarket Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Coordinates | 54°58′44″N 1°36′39″W / 54.9790°N 1.6109°W |
| Completed | 1967 |
| Inaugurated | 14 November 1968 |
| Owner | Newcastle City Council |
| Height | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | George Kenyon |
| Designations | |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Civic Centre | |
| Designated: | 16 November 1995 |
| Reference #: | 1242692 |
The Newcastle Civic Centre is an important building in the Haymarket area of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It's where the city's council meets to make decisions about the city.
A famous architect named George Kenyon designed it. The building was finished in 1967 and officially opened by King Olav V of Norway on November 14, 1968. It's a special building, protected as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's very important historically. It's also one of the tallest buildings in the city, standing about 200 feet (61 m) high.
A Look Back in Time
Plans to build a new city hall in this spot were first thought about before World War II. There was even a competition to pick the best design. However, the war stopped these plans.
After the war, there were rules about how much money could be spent on big projects. So, it wasn't until August 1956 that permission was given to start building. Before construction began, some old houses and a hospital on the site had to be taken down. The city architect, George Kenyon, designed the building.
Building the Civic Centre
Construction work began in May 1960. A company called Sir Robert McAlpine did the building. The Lord Mayor, Alderman Mrs Gladys Robson, laid the first stone on November 30, 1960.
The whole building cost about £4,855,000 to build. It was completed in 1967. King Olav V of Norway officially opened it on November 14, 1968. Newcastle's old Victorian Town Hall, which was in a different part of the city, was taken down in 1973.
Famous Visitors
On May 6, 1977, the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, visited the Civic Centre. He gave a speech and famously used a local phrase, "Howay the lads!" A special stone was placed in the Civic Centre grounds to remember this visit.
In 2014, a Japanese film crew used the council leader's office as a filming location. They were making a TV show set in Tokyo in the 1960s.
Amazing Art and Sculptures
The Civic Centre is also known for its cool modern sculptures. You can see "River God Tyne" and "Swans in Flight," both made by David Wynne.
Look up at the top of the tower, and you'll spot some unique seahorse sculptures. These were created by John Robert Murray McCheyne. Inside, in what used to be the cashiers' area, there are two abstract murals by Victor Pasmore.
