1-7, RABY CROSS

Block of three flats and a shop, built between 1978 and 1981 by Ralph Erskine's Arkitektkontor, with Vernon Gracie as the site architect and structural engineering by White, Young and Partners. The main contractor was Fairclough Buildings Limited. The building is constructed of red brick with concrete block internal walls and red weatherboarding. It features a monopitch metal roof supported by plywood box beam purlins. The structure has three storeys and includes balconies at the front and back. Steps on the southern side have been later enclosed in weatherboarding, which resembles a brown bird box. The windows are timber with aluminium opening lights, and there are timber doors. At the time of inspection, the shop windows were blocked. This block is a notable feature at the entrance to the Raby Cross shopping area, which was developed at the southern end of the Byker estate due to its distance from the main shops on Shields Road.