Civic Centre

The Civic Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne is a significant public building designed by G W Kenyon, the City Architect, with construction starting in 1956 and completed in stages until 1965. The structure consists of a concrete frame faced with Portland stone ashlar, Cornish granite, Broughton Moor stone, and handmade bricks, featuring double glazed windows with bronze frames.

The layout includes a 12-storey office block to the north, which has a tower and carillon at its west end, and 4-storey blocks to the east and south, including a rates hall. The civic suite to the west is designed over a vaulted arcade, with a banqueting hall extending to the north and an elliptical council chamber supported by columns extending to the west. The civic suite showcases high-quality craftsmanship and is influenced by Celtic and Scandinavian styles.

Internally, the building features premium materials such as Norwegian slate, Portuguese marble, and English oak, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The Civic Centre is also home to important public art pieces, including aluminium gates by Geoffrey Clarke, carved lettering by David Dewey, an engraved glass screen by John Hutton, sea horses by J R Murray on the carillon, glazed murals by Victor Pasmore in the rates hall, an Aubusson tapestry by John Piper in the banqueting hall, external flambeaux and metal screens by Charles Sansbury, and sculptures by David Wynne, including River God Tyne and Swans in Flight in the courtyard.

Additionally, the building features the Wren stone, located adjacent to the south door of block 3, believed to be one of the original stones selected by Sir Christopher Wren for St Paul's Cathedral, which bears his signature of approval. The Civic Centre is recognized for its architectural significance, high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and numerous works of art.