Newcastle Rail Station gets a makeover
I’ve not done too much lingering by windows lately, but a railway station is often a place for hanging about. Usually I arrive at Newcastle-upon-Tyne by bus, so the recent improvements, blocking out those draughty spaces, have crept up on me. But I like them. A lot!
It’s a piece of artwork, in itself, don’t you think?
And from inside the impact is even more dramatic.
Like most cities, Newcastle has its share of windows, in all shapes and sizes. I was meeting a friend for coffee and we stopped to admire The Gate- a cinema and restaurant complex.
Could be my kind of film!
We rode up the escalator for a look out on the street
And I particularly liked this structure
Not exactly a window, but you can definitely see through it. Then Waterstones upstairs cafe delighted me. A cafe in a bookshop- perfection! But I did have to wonder about this window.
Is the bike for sale?
I’d rather have a view with my coffee!
The Danish pastries were very nice though. Quite a few people have asked about the green glass structure so I’m belatedly including a link with information on the sculptures in Newcastle.
Got to see which windows Dawn has been lingering by this week. Click this link and come too?
Wow!!! I didn’t realise that they had refurbished Central Station. So they’ve made the bit where all the taxis used to drive through squashing pigeons into an indoor area, which is a brilliant idea.
I have a soft spot for Central Station, not only because it is beautiful but also because it was designed by John Dobson the famous architect who worked with another famous architect Richard Grainger (he after which Grainger Street and Grainger Market are named). As well as designing Central Station, Central Arcade, St Mary’s Place, Grainger Market and east side of Grey Street; John Dobson was also from North Shields which is where I’m from, so he is a kind of local hero. I’m sure he would approve of the ‘new’ central station, especially if he were to view it through your pictures. I like how you’ve used the arches as frames to photograph other buildings through, it really works well.
I moved away from Newcastle about 11 years ago now so even places like ‘The Gate’, which I think I’ve been in once, seem somewhat alien to me, although I do like the tall glass art structure.
And finally the “Emerson & Chambers” building, which I was just about to say how appropriate, but I think I’ve just realised; that you thought I was referring to this post when I mentioned the building. Ah ha, so this is not the only post which ended with my favourite building, don’t worry; I plan to leave a comment on that post also.
Thank you for your wonderful perspective on what is and always will be to me ‘Home’, even though it has many new editions it still has retained it’s character. It has made me a bit homesick, but in a beautiful way. Thank you.
It was only done this year, Mark, and I think it’s beautiful. I was aware of the Dobson connection and I love Central Arcade especially. Many thanks for the follow. It’s good to stay in touch with home, by whatever means, and I do my best to shout up for the north east. (though I also do my share of shouting for Portugal, which I love, and any other bit of the world I can get myself to 🙂 ) I love Scotland too so I’ll be following you around.
Wow, what awesome windows!
Happy to share, Dawn 🙂
Amazing Place Jo 🙂
Newcastle is a great city, Jake, and I love what they’ve done to the station. 🙂
I really can’t figure out the message of the bike in the window :D. That green glass sculpture cought my eye too – many thanks for the link, Jo 🙂
It was associated with Tour de France, which was big news over here this summer 🙂
I see!
You see so many interesting things when you linger, Jo! You should linger around in good intervals. Someone hasn’t taken down the christmas lights. Geez 😀
That was my first thought too, Rommel! How many days to Christmas? 😦
Enjoyed this very much Jo. The juxtapositions of old and new are stunning! I am awed by the concept of the green Ellipses Eclipses Tower!
I thought those details might appeal, Madhu. 🙂 I cannot begin to conceive…
🙂
I really fancy a visit to Newcastle Jo and it looks like there’s good stuff to see right from arriving at the station.
Off to Zumba today? 😉
Probably 🙂 I hosted a ‘girls’ night last night so am feeling a little fragile but I’ll be fine once the music starts 🙂
Another great walk, Jo, and the windows and views from them are fascinating. Is there something special about the bike?I was trying to read what it said on the card next to it, but couldn’t focus it. I love he way you photographed the bus through the hole in the green glass sculpture. Very artistic. 😀
The significance of the bike is the ‘Tour de France’ display beneath it, Ad. I didn’t notice immediately and it created fun shots. 🙂
Nice photos selection Jo..I really like the reflection on the windows, sort of informing what would you see inside 😉 Brilliant photo project..I have plenty windows photos and I am not sure what to do with it 🙂
Glad you like them, Indah. If you want to join in this challenge you can post window photos any day of the week and link to Dawn’s ‘Lingering look at windows’ page. The link is right at the bottom of my post. 🙂
Will do Jo..just have to match the post timing 🙂 Thank you!!
Beautiful structures and glass – the angles are wonderful.
Thank, Mary 🙂 It was a great place to ‘play’.
It all looks very smart Jo ! Window cleaners are never out of a job here then .
Bookshop + Cafe = Blissful times ..
Lovely shots – somehow I think you’ll be treating us to more …
It’s a superb place for window cleaners. Poppy 🙂 Funnily enough, I can’t recall seeing any. Next time I do it’ll have to be a photo 🙂
Interesting windows Jo and the bike could be a get away vehicle…
How did you know I was planning a raid on Waterstones, Pauline? 🙂
Ah Jo I have inside information !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am enjoying your long lingering looks! 😀 The public art in Newcastle is wonderful.
It is pretty good. The silly thing is, Ann, that I don’t even know how long that green glass tower has been there. I must have walked past it before. I only ‘see’ things when I’ve got my camera in my hands. 🙂
I ‘see’ things more when I have a camera in my hands. They remind us to be more mindful I think.
Wow! Stunning reflections Jo and what beautifu architecture! I can see why you lingered. I would have as well. 😀
I was in good company or I might have spent a lot more time, Sonel 🙂 Have a great weekend!
I bet! Just glad you had a great time sweetness. Have a great weekend as well. 😀 ♥ Big Hugs ♥
One up on me Jo – I haven’t seen the revamped station yet, looks impressive. I wonder if the glass came from Sunderland 🙂
Bet you daren’t say that to the Missus 🙂 🙂
No fear 🙂
Just incredible! I really like the water tower structure…..
I need to have a closer look at that myself! I was too busy chatting to my friend. 🙂
The shot from the escalator is my pick this time, although as always choice is hard. Windows are a great way to showcase a city. I love this challenge (if that’s what it is) because it’s an excuse to follow a window addiction on a weekly basis. I might even showcase Poznań through its windows, if I ever get round to blogging it. Off to the lake tomorrow, and a week without the cursed blessing (or blessed curse) of Internet connection. Then home.
Oh, Meg! It seemed ages and ages, and now it’s almost gone 😦 But your Polish will be so much better, and as soon as you get home you can start planning for January 🙂
My Polish is in fact more non-existent!
And your excuse is? 🙂 🙂
I so agree that you need a view out your window for coffee. I have never understood, people blocking precious light with objects in the window.
It’s usually rather grey light in Newcastle too, Laurie! My apricot Danish was part compensation, and I could still see the ‘goings on’ in the square 🙂
I agree, Jo rail stations are a great place to linger and people watch. 🙂
This one was dreadfully draughty and you were in fear of your life from the taxis, but I think the new addition is also to reinforce the existing structure, Lisa 🙂
The modern and the old blend well together, but the bike in the window is a definite reason to linger, Jo.
And the Hemingway quote on the stairway (for another post), Lynne, not to mention my apricot Danish pastry 🙂
What an odd place for a bike. Lovely photos and that one structure that looks like it has bubbling water is very interesting.
I must pay closer attention to the details, Tonya. I honestly don’t know if it was water or glass bubbles 😦
I love pictures with reflections and frames. The add an extra dimension, a perspective.
I meant to say THEY add an extra dimension … (Must proofread before I hit post.)
Me too! 🙂
I wouldn’t like that bike disturbing my view of passersby either Jo 😦
There was lots of fun in the square that day, Colline, with a film show on big screen TV and deck chairs 🙂
Great photos, Jo! The bike in the window is hilarious. Did you happen to ask a store clerk the story behind it?
You can’t see clearly in that photo, Jill, but there is a display of books relating to the Tour de France beneath it. I didn’t spot them till after I’d taken the shots either 🙂
Lovely lingering, Jo! And a bookshop with a coffee house inside? Definitely perfection, bicycle in the window or not.
It had a great Hemingway quote on the stairway too, Angeline, but that didn’t quite fit with my windows 🙂
Great “window” post!
Thanks, Gerryann 🙂
These are beautiful window photos, Jo. I like these modern looking windows 🙂
Newcastle has a great mix of old and new, Amy. The station is going to be so much nicer in the Winter 🙂
Good news 🙂
But can you still drive through? That bike looks like big litter to me! Loved the sculpture structure.
You’ve got me thinking now Viv! I don’t think so but I was so fascinated with the windows I can’t be sure. There were still roadworks going on outside and that was a bit of a distraction. I think the taxis pull up just beyond the forecourt now. I’ll pay more attention next time I’m there 😦
Is that water inside the structure or simply green, bubbly glass?
I think it’s just glass, AG. Quite striking though, isn’t it? 🙂
Well, I’d keep gazing at that bicycle. Looks like a fantastic road bike. Is it to promote books on bicycling? Because of the Tour de France?
Have a good one,
Pit
Yes, the book display is about the Tour, Pit, but you can’t see that very clearly in my shot. I never even noticed them till my friend pointed it out 🙂
Old and new nicely combined 🙂
It’s a good-looking city, Gilly 🙂
Fabulous shots and interesting angles and reflections~
I like to reflect, Cindy 🙂
Thank you!
And just what IS that structure? I do like the way you have framed the yellow bus through the hole – obviously you waited ages for that composition 😉
Ages! Happenstance is a wonderful thing, Jude 🙂
I actually took half a dozen shots of it but that was mostly because I couldn’t believe I’d never noticed the structure before. It’s not exactly discreet, is it? And the answer is ‘I have no idea’. 🙂
Looks like someone just tossed that bicycle haphazardly into the window, Jo. Oh well, if it’s to honor the Tour de France, so be it. I love the view from the escalator and that green see-through structure (statue?). Looks like a lovely outing. 🙂
There were only two pastries, Cathy, or I’d have saved you one 🙂
Darn, I’m so disappointed. 🙂
I’d rather have a view with my coffee too. 🙂
I think it was a reference to the Tour de France, Elizabeth 🙂 That’s what the book display below is, but you can’t clearly see it.
Love that structure Jo and I must say it looks as though the bicycle is making a break for it!
Tour de France, here we come, Sue 🙂 It’s quite a long way down though.
Thankfully I am a road cyclist and not into mountain biking. I hate those jumps. 🙂
Jo, the windows are lovely. They give polish to the view and I love a good opportunity to catch reflections… I’d go see the movie, I loved the first one!
I’m seriously out of tune with the movies, Terri. No grandchildren, you see 🙂 I have to wait for them to be on TV! Thanks, hon.
Think I watched it on tv as well, but it was delightful. I don’t get out to the movies much either. It’s hard to do much multi-tasking when you’re in a theatre!
🙂