What is Blue Green Newcastle?
Blue Green Newcastle is a project that aims to protect the city centre from flooding. It does this by using sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and working with nature.
The city centre is important to everyone—people live, work, study, and visit here. So, the drainage solutions used in this project won’t just help stop flooding. They’ll also improve wildlife habitats, green spaces, and public areas.
By using creative ways to manage rainwater, the project also supports the Council’s goals to fight climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and make Newcastle a greener and more welcoming place.
We’re making a difference, since 2025
m³ of surface water storage created
9000
m² of hardstanding area removed
0
Properties protected from flooding
57
Why do we need this project?
In summer 2012, Newcastle had serious flooding—worse than anything seen in recent memory. This happened because of heavy rainfall, which is becoming more common due to climate change. These events are expected to happen more often and will cause more damage in the future.
City centres like Newcastle are more at risk from flooding because they have lots of hard surfaces like roads and pavements, which stop water from soaking into the ground. The steep topography of the city also makes flooding more likely.
In the past, Newcastle had natural streams and rivers, but many were covered up as the city grew. Now, water is managed through drains and sewers, which can’t always handle the heavy rain caused by climate change.
How will the project work?
The project will use different methods to help the city deal with flooding and make us more climate resilient. Some large projects will be funded by grants and support from other organisations. These will include new infrastructure to manage rainwater and surface water.
The Blue Green Newcastle team will also work with people who are developing or changing parts of the city. They’ll make sure that blue green infrastructure—like green roofs, rain gardens, and tree planting—is included wherever possible.
This means working with:
- Planners
- Landscape architects
- Ecologists
- Transport and highways teams
- Landowners
- Community groups
- Other organisations across the city
The Blue Green Newcastle Vision outlines the principles.