A former industrial area has turned into a cultural quarter before our eyes in Newcastle.
The face of the city's trendy Ouseburn neighbourhood is continuing to change as new businesses and developments pop up in what Time Out magazine has dubbed 'the coolest neighbourhood in the world'.
Take a stroll through Ouseburn and you'll be greeted by a bustling hub of independent cafes, pubs, restaurants, shops, and arts venues slap bam in the middle of a diverse community of residents. What was once an industrial centre dominated by the city's coal, glass and pottery industries has been transformed.
And it's continuing to change and grow as developers look to bring more housing to an area that's becoming increasingly popular to live in.
READ MORE: Life in Ouseburn: One of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now
Robbie Livingstone, who owns bakery Northern Rye on Riverside Walk, said it was the creative buzz of Ouseburn that attracted him, like many others, to the area.
"Ouseburn is like the creative side of Newcastle," he said.
"There are loads of potters and artists and Lime Street Studios. When I moved here, I could see where it was going.
"It was creative with artists and there were going to be lots of food places there. People started moving into the area to live, like a regeneration.
"When you build new houses, you need to have businesses there to service them and it's becoming a real community here. People that live here really care about their area.
"We get loads of customers that live in Ouseburn and they love it. They moved here because they like the music, the drinking and all the food and creative side of Newcastle.
"It's quite a diverse area."
Some of Ouseburn's major changes in recent years have been the Steenberg’s Yard and The Malings housing developments, which have brought a host of new residents to the area. The Malings features 76 homes on the bank of the River Ouseburn while the recently completed Steenberg's Yard is made up of 28 luxury riverside apartments.
Jan Dale, director of executive estate agents Urban Base, which has sold the properties at Steenberg’s Yard and The Malings, said all the homes were quickly snapped up.
"Steenbergs Yard has gone so incredibly well. It is a truly magical place to call home," she said.
"All 28 homes are now occupied and all the residents are now enjoying life in the bohemian oasis of the Ouseburn. It really is something special.
"When we did the Malings we didn't have the bread shop, the deli or the brewery. All of these things have followed because of the demands from the community to offer that sort of facility.
"It is absolutely magnificent to think we have been a part of creating that."
But, with any development, comes challenges as Chris Barnard, the chief officer at the Ouseburn Trust, knows only too well. The trust works with the council and businesses on future developments in the valley with a focus on preserving the heritage and history of the area, which is home to attractions such as the Victoria Tunnel.
Chris said that Ouseburn has changed dramatically over the years and stressed that while development was welcome, it was important that it did not have a detrimental effect on the character of the area.
"We have been keen to stress the importance of respecting the heritage of the place and I think that has worked quite well," he said.
"Change is going to happen and I think as long as it is respectful, that is OK. What makes Ouseburn's character so special to me is that there are so many different styles of architecture. It is so electric and that's what makes it special.
"A bit of new into that mix enhances it as long as it is not overpowering."
It comes as many in the city have strongly opposed plans for an 18-storey apartment complex on Malmo Quay at the mouth of the Ouseburn. The plans have now been halted while developers reconsider.
"Until recently, there was not a lot of housing on the valley floor so it was very much a community of interest," Chris said.
"People largely lived in neighbouring communities instead of Ouseburn itself whereas now we have got quite a growing residential community."
The Trust says it worked closely with the team on The Malings development, which has ultimately resulted in a positive impact on the area.
"We think having some housing is a good thing, but it is about having the right balance," Chris added.
Cook House restaurant owner Anna Hedworth said the Ouseburn's green spaces are what make it so special to her.
"I’ve worked in the Ouseburn area for over 10 years now and Cook House has been open in its current location on Foundry Lane for three-and-a-half years," she said.
"I love that Ouseburn is such a green and leafy oasis even though it’s only five minutes from the city centre.
"The nature and wildlife is lovely to have on your doorstep. It’s a friendly, supportive and creative community that is a pleasure to be a part of."
Newcastle City Council said it looks forward to Ouseburn "growing sympathetically" to ensure the area maintains its rich heritage.
Michelle Percy, Newcastle City Council’s Director of Place, said: “As a former industrial area turned cultural quarter, the Ouseburn is growing in popularity all of the time as a place to live, work, explore, relax, have a meal or just sit and watch the world go by. The Malings residential development has won a clutch of awards and recently completed Steenberg’s Yard has 28 fully-occupied duplex apartments and four business units.
"In fact, there are about 650 small to medium-sized businesses in the area – many in the digital and creative industries – employing in the region of 3,000 people so it’s making a significant contribution to the city’s economy. These businesses sit alongside great attractions like the Ouseburn Farm, the Victoria Tunnel and Seven Stories to make Ouseburn such a unique area for both residents and visitors.
“Ouseburn’s history and rich heritage are part of its enduring charm. We look forward to it growing sympathetically as undeveloped areas are slowly brought back to life as more businesses and residents are attracted to its pleasant quality of life.”
