More than 30 years after its demise, Newcastle's Handyside Arcade is still viewed by many as a cultural and architectural loss to the city.
The Edwardian-built curiosity on Percy Street was a spectacular glass-roofed, horseshoe-shaped construction housing a range of specialist independent shops and outlets.
At the height of the 1960s boutique boom, the arcade was dubbed 'Tyneside’s answer to Carnaby Street' by the local press and became a magnet for Tyneside's budding hippies and beatniks.
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During the 1970s and 1980s, the quirky shops and echoing galleries continued to be a major attraction for often long-haired, music-loving young people.
But look today and there’s no trace of it. To the despair of many, the arcade was demolished and replaced by a characterless retail mall, Eldon Garden, in the late 1980s.
But now, the iconic name is returning (in spirit anyway) to Newcastle.
On Saturday, March 5, the Handyside Arcade Alternative Market will take place in the Atrium of Newcastle City Library over two floors. More details here.
The market is the brainchild of Paul and Jools Donnelly, from Gateshead, who are already heavily involved in celebrating the popular culture of 1960s Newcastle.
The couple, both original mod enthusiasts, are currently writing a book about the city's fabled 1960s Club a'Gogo and are keeping the venue's name alive with live events, radio programmes, a website and a dedicated Facebook page.
They have also successfully campaigned for the former club to have its own heritage plaque. This is expected to be unveiled in April.
Jools says: " We are really excited to be bringing the spirit of the original Handyside Arcade back to Newcastle. We want to get the memory of the arcade out there to a new and younger audience who may not be aware this once great arcade existed.
"The original arcade was much-loved and home to so many small and independent shops and boutiques. We want to recreate a bit of this with the new Handyside Arcade Market.
"We have a host of stall holders selling vintage clothing, vinyl, books, arts and crafts. The market gives our local, small businesses the opportunity to showcase their products.
"We feel it is so important to support these small businesses, especially after Covid. Our venue, Newcastle City Library, has been a fantastic help in getting this off the ground."
Paul adds: " I remember going to the Handyside Arcade in the early and mid '80s as a teenager - the Kard Bar, posters, badges, and cool stuff.
"I’m looking forward to the new market too as I will be doing DJ sets at the market all day. So people can expect to hear our indie club Gimme Shelter and Club a’Gogo music all played on vinyl."
Looking ahead, as well as the new market, Paul says: " We have new venues for our events. Club a’Gogo is in the basement room of Pleased to Meet You, and our Gimme Shelter indie night is at Grey’s Club in the upstairs room. So people should keep any eye out for them."
There is more information here for traders and customers about the Handyside Arcade Alternative Market which will take place at Newcastle City Library on Saturday, March 5.
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