High Bridge Works Heritage Display & Tour

High Bridge Works is located on the site of the original 18th century engineering works. The original works was demolished at the turn of the 20th Century, and architects Cackett & Burns designed the Ward’s Building which stands on the site today. From the late 19th Century to the 1960s the building was the premises of Ward's Printers. The printers published annual directories featuring the names and addresses of thousands of local businesses and establishments. These publications have become ideal historic records for future generations.

In 2021 the building was rebranded to honour the heritage of Watson’s High Bridge Works, which in the late 1800s employed 350 workers and specialised in manufacturing high pressure steam pumps and ships’ pumping machinery.

The site has been a home for engineering and innovation for centuries. And today is home to Newcastle Contemporary Art gallery and studios for artists and creative businesses including painters, film makers, designers, and architects, amongst others.

Pop in to read more about the history of the building in our display on the ground floor. Or to find out more, join one of our free public tours to hear more about the heritage of the site, and how it has changed over the years.

The building and history tour is on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th of September. Limited to 12 spaces.

Timings & Tours

Monday 15 September:

Display: 0900-1700.

Tuesday 16 September:

Display: 0900-1700. Tour: 1100-1145

Wednesday 17 September:

Display: 0900-1700. Tour: 1100-1145

Thursday 18 September:

Display: 0900-1700

Friday 19 September:

Display: 0900-1700

Location & directions

39 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 1EW

Directions:

We are situated on High Bridge, in-between Newcastle’s historic Grey Street and Bigg Market. The nearest public car park is opposite our front doors. There are four parking bays, and parking is limited to one hour.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Please confirm how many spaces you would like to book as part of your visit.

Booking contact name:

Peter

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

04 Aug 2025 05:00 PM

Booking closes:

15 Sep 2025 11:00 PM

Accessibility details

High Bridge Works is step-free. Please advise if you have any mobility or hearing difficulties.

Additional information

Please note that alongside the Heritage Open Days event we are running, the art gallery is in change-over and there is not an exhibition on during this year's Heritage Open Days.

Max no of people per tour:

12

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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