Quayside facts for kids
The Quayside is a busy area found along the banks of the River Tyne. It stretches across two cities: Newcastle upon Tyne on the north side and Gateshead on the south side. This popular spot is located in Tyne and Wear, North East England, in the United Kingdom. It's a great place to visit, offering a mix of history, modern art, music, and fun activities.
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History of the Quayside
A long time ago, the Quayside was a very busy industrial area. It had lots of docks where ships would load and unload goods. The Newcastle side also had a regular street market. In the 1800s and early 1900s, many ships sailed from here. Companies like the Tyne Tees Steam Shipping Company carried goods and people. They traveled to other parts of the UK and even to European countries like Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Over the years, the docks became less busy and the area started to look a bit run-down. But then, a big change happened! The Quayside was completely rebuilt and modernized. Now, it's a vibrant place with lots of new buildings. You can find places for modern art, music, and culture. There are also new homes, like those at St Peter's Marina.
On the Newcastle side, you'll discover many restaurants, bars, and night clubs. There are also more homes and the Newcastle Law Courts. Today, the Quayside is considered one of the top attractions in the area.
Gateshead Quays: A Hub for Arts
The Gateshead side of the river is known as Gateshead Quays. It's famous for its amazing buildings dedicated to the arts. Here you will find the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. This is a large art gallery that used to be a flour mill. You can also visit The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which is a fantastic place for concerts and musical events.
For many years, a famous floating nightclub called the Tuxedo Princess was moored here. It was later replaced by its sister ship, Tuxedo Royale. These clubs were located right under the Tyne Bridge.
Bridges Connecting the Quayside
The Quayside is famous for its bridges that cross the River Tyne. These bridges connect Newcastle and Gateshead.
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge
One of the most special bridges is the pedestrian Gateshead Millennium Bridge. It opened in 2001 and is designed just for people walking or cycling. This bridge is unique because it can tilt to let ships pass underneath. It connects the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead with the Newcastle Law Courts.
The Swing Bridge
Another important bridge is the low-level Swing Bridge. It was built in 1876. This bridge allows both cars and people to cross the river. It is located closer to the city centers of Newcastle and Gateshead.
The Quayside, using both the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Swing Bridge, is also part of a famous running event. It's the route for the junior course of the annual Great North Run.
Future Plans: The Whey Aye Wheel
In July 2019, plans were approved for a giant observation wheel on the Quayside. It will be built at Spiller's Wharf. This huge wheel is called the "Whey Aye" wheel. At about 460 feet (140 meters) tall, it is planned to be the tallest observation wheel in Europe once it's finished. It's part of a bigger project called 'Giants on the Quayside'.
Important Buildings on the Quayside
The Quayside has several interesting and historic buildings:
- The Customs House was built in 1766. It's a Grade II listed building, which means it's historically important. It was changed and given a new front in 1833.
- The Malmaison Hotel is also a Grade II listed building. It was built in 1900 and used to be a warehouse.
- The Newcastle Law Courts were built between 1984 and 1990. They were designed by Napper Collerton, a group of architects.
Getting Around the Quayside
It's easy to get around the Quayside using public transport. Go North East's QuayLink Q1, Q2, and Q3 bus services run very often. The QuayLink buses connect most of the main attractions and places in NewcastleGateshead. They are helpful for people who live, work, study, or are just visiting the area.
