Find Out the Future of Retail at a Special Event...
The future of city centre retail will come under the microscope at a public event in Newcastle next month (October).
On Wednesday 23 October, the Northumberland and Newcastle Society (the N&N) will hold its annual public lecture for 2024 and the theme is Living, or Dying: the Future of City Centre Retail.
The Society – one of the oldest in the UK – has been influencing planning and development in the city and county for 100 years and its annual public lectures are renowned for bringing together experts in their respective fields.
And this year the key speakers at the event, at The Miller Theatre, Royal Grammar School, Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond, are Leo Fenwick, strategic partnerships director at Fenwick Ltd and Tim Bailey, head of practice at Newcastle-based xsite architecture LLP.
Fenwick, the UK’s largest family-owned department store with its flagship branch in Newcastle, has been a major retail destination in Newcastle city centre for well over a century.
Along with talking about its current re-development, Leo Fenwick will share insights on the changing retail landscape, the ways in which Fenwick is embracing its pioneering spirit, with innovative concepts to capture the imagination and the on-going evolution of how customers now like to shop.
Architect Tim Bailey established xsite in 2000 and, from its Ouseburn Valley base, the company has been involved in many of the city’s major developments over the past 20 years, from the Wylam Brewery at Exhibition Park to the conversion of Boiler Shop, behind Central Station, into a hospitality and events space.
In 2021 it merged with long established architectural practice Spence and Dower enabling it to now provide accredited Heritage and Conservation expertise.
And among other subjects, Tim will talk about ways in which the historic fabric of the city can best meet the changing needs of its inhabitants and visitors.
“Both Tim and Leo are supremely influential figures when it comes to retail and city centre development,” said Northumberland and Newcastle Society chairman John Matthews “and tickets are already selling fast for this event.
“Everyone is welcome, so whether you work or have worked retail, whether you are concerned about the future of our towns or cities or if you just love shopping and want to know what may lie ahead for your favourite shops or stores, do be sure to book as places are limited.”
Living or Dying – The future of City Centre Retail will be held at the Miller Theatre, Royal Grammar School, Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond and doors open at 1.30pm for a 2pm start.
Tickets cost £15 (£10 for N&N members) and are bookable at https://www.nandnsociety.org.uk/events/
