The Old and the New

The original Eldon Square in Newcastle was built as part of the 1825–40 reconstruction of Newcastle city centre, being designed by John Dobson for Richard Grainger. It was built up on 3 sides; the first floors had cast-iron balconies as can be seen in this photo.

Unfortunately (in my opinion!) 2 of the 3 sides were demolished in the 1960s, being replaced by part of the "new" Eldon Square shopping mall. (Yes I am old enough to remember this happening - just!).

This photo shows the remaining original east side of the Square and a portion of the "new" north side. I'll leave you to decide which architecture you like best :)

I am pleased to say that the City planners seemingly learnt their lesson, as when another nearby redevelopment occurred in 1990 ("Monument Mall") they retained the original facade, and where it needed to be extended they did this in matching stone and matching style.

("New" Eldon Square was, when built, the largest indoor shopping mall in Britain; it lost this title to Manchester's Arndale Centre. However since its further redevelopment which commenced in 2005 it is now once again the UK's largest city centre shopping complex.)