SHIELDFIELD: a strategic plan

Shieldfield has often been ignored in the wider urban planning framework in Newcastle. Developments have lacked intention for the wider community, and Shieldfield is notably absent from local planning policy. This strategy sets out some important priorities, and potential actions to improve planning and development in the area so that it is a better, greener and safer place to live. This is the culmination of 5 years’ of engagement and research by Dwellbeing Shieldfield and residents.

To develop the strategy we worked closely with HarperPerry Architects and two community trainees, who gained first-hand experience of urban planning and architecture. The strategy uses existing place-based knowledge for new improvements to the neighbourhood, as well as building new collective knowledge about the urban planning process so that the community is not side-lined in future development in Shieldfield.

We want to use the strategy to shape the physical future of the neighbourhood using local skills and knowledges and drawing upon its materials, forms and histories to create spaces which reflect people and place, as opposed to the generic architecture of recent years.