From a bandstand to Byker Wall, region reveals its special places
The North East has a wide range of Listed structures, but some are not as obvious as you might imagine.
THE North East has a rich history which we are often reminded of at our every turn.
In the centre of Newcastle, landmarks such as Grey’s Monument and the St James’ Park dominate the city’s skyline.
Just a short journey across the River Tyne, the Church of St Mary and the Monument to British Liberty in Gibside are quick reminders of the history of Gateshead.
And city folk only need to take a short drive to see the likes of Alnwick and Bamburgh castles, or Durham Cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Buildings, objects or structure of historical significance across the country are protected with a Listed status, and there are literally hundreds scattered throughout the North East. Some will be instantly recognisable across the world, but there are others that many in the North East will probably have never known had a protected status.
Here, we’ve taken a look at some of the Listed buildings or objects from the functional to the sublime.
BYKER WALL
Designed by renowned architect Ralph Erskine and built in the 1970s, the six-storey complex of 628 flats remains a recognisable landmark.
The Wall - which stretches for 1.3 miles - is now a Grade II Listed building.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS
Unbeknown to many who’ve enjoyed a quick drink, there are several listed fountains across the region.
Two of these - one east of the Church of St James in Benwell, and the other by The Saltgrass
in Sunderland - have been afforded Grade II status.
EXHIBITION PARK BANDSTAND
Opened in 1878 in a corner of Newcastle Moor, the park was recently given a £3.2m facelift.
And the popular meeting point at the heart of it all was granted Grade II Listed status back in 1971.
K4 TELEPHONE BOX
With nearly everybody owning mobile phones now, an old-fashioned (and working) telephone box has become something of a rare sight.
One such box in Whitley Bay is considered to be so rare - with only five remaining in Britain - that it has been granted Grade II lLsted status.
MOTORAIL TERMINAL
Sat in the shadow of Newcastle Central Station, the terminal is often overlooked by many residents and tourists.
But the building on Westgate Road was granted Grade II Listed status back in 1987.
RACQUET COURT
When it comes to courts, Wimbledon, Roland Garros and Arthur Ashe in New York stand out as the most famous. Residents of South Gosforth, however, have a Grade II Listed racquet court on their doorsteps just off Matthew Bank.
POST BOX
The leafy Newcastle suburb of Jesmond has become a fashionable place for students and young professionals looking to enjoy socialising off Osborne Road.
But just a few minutes walk from the bars and pubs on Osborne Avenue is a Grade II Listed postbox - yes, really.
TYNE BRIDGE
Is there a landmark which is more synonymous with the North East?
Maybe the Angel of the North runs it close, but the bridge which was built back in 1928 remains a mustsee for visitors to the North East, and is Grade II Listed.
TYNE TUNNELS
Motorists who grow frustrated driving through the tunnels at peak times might not have much love for them.
But the key commuter route is listed as a Grade II structure, along with the statue of Sir Charles Mark Palmer which stands outside.
WILLS BUILDING
Beginning life as a cigarette factory in the 1940s, the structure has now housed luxury apartments for years.
But despite this change in use, the building remains Grade II Listed.