Supporting local organisations with UK leading expertise
astley is proud to be based in the North East, having a head office in Gateshead but with 3 other sites strategically located in the UK. So, when we get to support our local council (Gateshead Council) with really worthwhile initiatives, the team enjoy seeing their communities come to life as a result of their expertise.
We’ve worked on several exciting projects including the enhancement of Maiden’s Walk and the branding for Gateshead Railway Quarter.
Astley brought to life 160 metres of vibrant student artwork as part of the “Gateshead Local Places and Heroes” campaign. Working with first-year arts students from Gateshead College, the project not only beautifies the area near the Quayside but also helps deter graffiti and celebrate local culture through public art.
From The Glasshouse International Centre for Music to Baltic Campus, Maidens Walk features an outdoor gallery created by the art students who were asked to celebrate local heroes and places with their work, exploring and honouring Gateshead’s cultural identity, iconic locations, and unsung community champions. Hoarding panels are now “…bursting with bold, original artwork, from historic landmarks to contemporary figures who shape the community”. They include a detailed graphite drawing of the Angel of the North, a portrait of Sam Fender, using fine pen lines and colour and a surreal illustration of a sun and moon inspired by lyrics from local musician Jade Thirlwall.
The installation, which includes enhanced lighting along the footpath, has turned the pedestrian route into a welcoming, inspiring space that showcases the talent of our students.
The Gateshead Railway Quarter, home to a growing hub of independent businesses, has been reimagined as a creative destination. We helped develop signage that honours the area’s industrial character while enhancing visibility and footfall—part of a broader UKSPF-funded initiative to invigorate the local economy.
These initiatives have already attracted positive attention, including recognition from Gateshead MP Mark Ferguson, who praised the work via LinkedIn:
“So much positive feedback about Gateshead’s Railway Quarter. Great to see this part of our town being celebrated, and fantastic local signage by Astley too!”
