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Bainbridges Cafe JLP01_10_28910
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Bainbridges Cafe JLP01_10_28910
ELDON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, ELDON SQUARE, NEWCASTLE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE. A view of the circular structure on stilts that housed the Bainbridge stores cafe at the Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle.
Laing won the £ 5.2m contract to extend the shopping centre in March 1986 for completion in October 1987, a second contract in January 1987 to build the retail unit that bridges Blackett Street and connects the old with the new development and a third in May 1987 for improvements and upgrading across the whole Eldon Square site.
The area pictured is part of the original structure that has undergone renovation. The area was previously carpeted with a sunken hexagonal seating area and the ceiling was covered with vertical tubes, some acting as light wells to let in daylight and some lit by bulbs but providing a much gloomier interior than following the rejuvenations. The decor had a space age feel more in keeping with the pod on stilts that housed Bainbridges cafe, this structure remained but was given a new colour scheme. Bainbridges was a major department store in Newcastle from its origins in 1838. It became part of the John Lewis Partnership in 1952 but operated under the Bainbridge brand until 2002 when the original 1976 Eldon Square site was given another facelift and the shop rebranded as John Lewis
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24340118
© Historic England Archive
1980s Shoppers Shopping Centre Space Age
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the unique circular structure on stilts that once housed Bainbridges Cafe at the Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle. The image showcases a part of the original structure that has undergone renovation, giving it a fresh and modern look. The area depicted was previously adorned with a sunken hexagonal seating area and a ceiling covered in vertical tubes, some serving as light wells to let in natural daylight while others were illuminated by bulbs. This created an ambiance reminiscent of space age aesthetics, perfectly complementing the pod-like design of Bainbridges cafe. Bainbridges itself holds significant historical importance, having been a prominent department store since its establishment in 1838. In 1952, it became part of the renowned John Lewis Partnership but continued operating under the Bainbridge brand until 2002 when it underwent another transformation alongside Eldon Square's facelift. The shop was then rebranded as John Lewis. The Eldon Square shopping centre experienced extensive expansion during this period, with Laing winning multiple contracts totaling £5.2 million for various improvements and upgrades across the entire site. One notable addition was the retail unit bridging Blackett Street and connecting old and new developments. This remarkable photograph not only documents architectural changes but also serves as a testament to Newcastle's evolving urban landscape over time. It is an invaluable piece from Historic England Archive that allows us to appreciate both past and present transformations within this vibrant cityscape.
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