Green Community in Byker
Green Street, an initiative dedicated to creating greener British high streets and fostering prosperity in the retail and hospitality sectors, has been working with businesses across Newcastle’s East End to help them become more sustainable, cut costs, and make a positive impact on the environment.
The initiative has successfully supported 37 businesses in Byker, Heaton and the Ouseburn exceeding its original goal of 25. Businesses received tailored advice on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable packaging.
Joe Tordoff of Green Street explains the process: “We work with businesses to understand their priorities and sustainability goals. After an initial consultation, we provide a detailed report with practical recommendations to help them save energy, reduce waste, and cut costs. Businesses also receive a £1000 grant to implement sustainable changes, and they are provided with the Green Street Working Towards a Greener Newcastle branding so customers can easily find the businesses taking part.”
One of the businesses benefiting from this initiative is The Cumberland Arms. Owner Jo Hodson shared her enthusiasm for the programme: “My favourite part has been planting wildflowers to create a meadow space, making the area more beautiful and bee friendly. We plan to host music sessions in the meadow during summer. Green Street has also helped us improve insulation and upgrade to energy-efficient lighting, which not only benefits the environment but also saves us money.”
Another success story is The Old Coal Yard, where owner Carl Kennedy highlights the financial and environmental impact of the changes made: “Through Green Street, we replaced old sodium lighting with energy-efficient LED lights, saving at least £400 annually. The program made us assess every aspect of our energy use, and the improvements have been invaluable.”
Victoria Robertshaw, Founder and Director of Green Street, emphasised the initiative’s broad range of businesses they’ve helped.
“We’ve worked with an incredible variety of businesses, from cafes to repair shops, hairdressers to fish and chip shops and even a city farm, helping them find practical, cost-effective sustainability solutions. Customers care about sustainability, and this project helps businesses meet that demand in a manageable way.
“What makes Green Street different is our focus on real, actionable changes rather than overwhelming businesses with complex carbon calculations. We look at practical improvements that make sense both financially and environmentally, whether that’s upgrading equipment, reducing single-use plastics, or improving insulation. Businesses in Newcastle have been incredible in embracing these changes, and it’s exciting to see the impact.
Cllr Dan Greenhough, Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Jobs and Skills said: “This project has been about finding practical solutions to help small businesses which are so central to our local economy.
“Green Street have been a huge part of that by working closely with businesses to find out how the project can support them to grow and flourish in what are challenging economic times for businesses up and down the country.
“The progress made with Green Street means we have many businesses doing more for the environment while reducing their own running costs, and they’ve been able to strengthen their connections with the local community in the process.”
As this current scheme ends, Green Street remains committed to creating a legacy of sustainability in Newcastle, and businesses interested in getting involved can visit www.greenstreet.org.uk
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Editors Notes The scheme was piloted as part of Newcastle City Council’s Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets Project to provide targeted practical support for small businesses. It was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority,