Eldon Square at 50: A Celebration of People, Culture and Unforgettable Moments

 Icons of Nostalgia: The Pencils & Space-Age Cafés

Ask Geordies of a certain age about their favourite Eldon Square memories, and you’ll hear tales of quirky installations and futuristic hangouts that never existed anywhere else:

• The pencil statues – a whimsical feature of the centre in its early years – were the sort of creative touch that captured imaginations. Children climbed them (much to the delight and gentle horror of parents), and they became iconic photo spots long before Instagram existed.
• The “spaceship” café, perched above the bustle and often described by locals as looking like a UFO or flying saucer, was one of those design quirks that made Eldon Square feel like a place you could lose time in.

1973 – 1975 Excavation Works and Development.

Eldon Square over the past 50 years

Legendary Visits That Stole the Spotlight

As much as Eldon Square is known for its shops and eateries, its big-name visitors have also become part of local heritage!

• Muhammad Ali, the “Greatest”, brought his magnetic charm to Newcastle in the 1970s.
• The Queen Mother was among the royals who visited the region in years past, her appearances always drawing crowds who remember her warmth and graciousness with fondness.
• Ant & Dec made a visit to Eldon Square, drawing large crowds of excited fans who gathered around the shopping centre to catch a glimpse of the popular Geordie presenters.
• Miss World contestants and other celebrities have passed through the centre’s doors during promotional tours and special events, turning Eldon Square into a stage worthy of international glamour and excitement.

These appearances remind us that Eldon Square hasn’t just been about shopping; it’s been a backdrop to moments of wonder, curiosity and sheer community pride.

1976 – 1979 Eldon Square Opening

“I remember being at the opening back in 1976 with my mam and gran. The malls felt electric – absolutely buzzing with people eager to explore the new retailers and see what was on offer. Newcastle hadn’t experienced anything quite like it before. It quickly became one of the largest shopping destinations in the UK, and you could really feel the excitement and pride in the city that day.” – Angela Boustea

1980 – 1989 Royalty Arrives

“Trips into Newcastle during my childhood became something of a tradition. I remember taking the bus to the top of Northumberland Street with my parents, strolling through Eldon Square and exiting via the Green Market. It was a routine I always looked forward to – exploring the latest fashions from retailers such as Tammy Girl and browsing the music at Virgin Megastore, where I remember buying my very first CD.” – Kerry Malia

1990 – 1999 Celebrity Visits

“I started 15 years ago as a security guard, and over time I’ve had the opportunity to grow through a range of roles, gaining invaluable experience and working alongside fantastic colleagues; what I enjoy most is the dynamic nature of the job. No two days are ever the same, and meeting and chatting with members of the public over the years who visit Eldon Square keeps it fresh.” – Chris Harkus