Future Phases
When and where will the project happen?
The Blue Green Newcastle project is happening across the city and could last into the 2030’s. It generally follows the paths of old rivers that used to flow through Newcastle before the city was built up.
Pilot Phase – Town Moor (2024–2025)
This first part of the project manages rainwater from the Town Moor and Exhibition Park. It uses natural flood management to help stop flooding.
We have been working with the Freemen of Newcastle to build this phase and it was finished in Summer 2025.
Phase 1 – Pandon Burn (2026–2029)
This phase will take place in the Hunters Moor and Castle Leazes areas. It will:
- help manage surface water in extreme rainfall
- protect homes, businesses and key infrastructure from flooding
- support nature, wildlife and ecology
Important sites like the Royal Victoria Infirmary and Newcastle University are also part of this phase.
Phase 2 – Skinner Burn (2028–2035)
This part of the project will manage water from Arthurs Hill and Wingrove that can currently flood the city centre. It follows the old route of the Skinner Burn near Wellington Street and St James Boulevard.
This phase will include:
- new drainage systems to take rainfall into the River Tyne
- green spaces along proposed active travel corridors
- surface features to take overland flows away from the city centre
Phase 3 – City Centre (2025–2039)
This phase will bring Blue Green Infrastructure to the city centre. It follows old rivers like the Lam Burn, Lort Burn and Erick Burn.
It will:
- create green paths that connect parks, buildings, and public spaces
- work with planners and highway engineers to create new features to retain water
Phase 4 – Climate Resilient Communities (2025–2035)
This phase will bring the project to more homes and high streets. Areas like Wingrove, Rye Hill, and Arthurs Hill will get their own flood protection projects.
We hope work with communities to continue this approach across the wider city where there are known flood risks.
