Grainger, Dobson and Clayton, deserve recognition for the creation of the centre of Newcastle in the Neoclassical style. Dobson provided much of the creative input to the scheme, whereas Grainger provided the essential drive to get the project completed. However, without Clayton’s influence, the scheme would not have been accepted in the first place. It is ironic that Grainger’s plan for a new commercial centre for Newcastle only lasted a short time as the building of the new railway terminal on Neville Street in 1849 drew trade away from Grey Street. The development of Northumberland Street as a new shopping centre further accelerated Grey Street’s decline. Despite this, most of Richard Grainger’s creation has lasted till this day. It is unfortunate that in the sixties, in the push for modernisation, most of Eldon Square and about a quarter of the original scheme were demolished to make way for modern buildings. However, much remains, including Grey Street, which was voted England's finest street in 2005 in a survey of BBC Radio 4 listeners. List of streets and buildings built by Grainger Higham Place, 1819–1820, partially demolished nos 6,7 & 8 remain Blackett Street, 1824, demolished Eldon Square, 1825–1831, partially demolished 1 terrace of 3 remains Leazes Crescent, 1829–1830, extant Royal Arcade, 1831–1832, demolished Leazes Terrace, 1829–1834, extant Grey Street, 1834–1839, extant Grainger Market, 1835, extant Grey's Monument, 1838, extant Graingerville South, 1839, extant Exchange Buildings, 1840, extant References External links (Some photographs of his works) 1797 births 1861 deaths People from Newcastle upon Tyne