Ouseburn Central is located in the heart of the Lower Ouseburn Valley. It is designated as a key regeneration area in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.  The approved Regeneration Strategy for the Valley has assisted in stimulating its successful regeneration, with the redevelopment of historic buildings including the Centre for Children's Books (Seven Stories) and Woods Pottery, the provision of much demanded workspace assisted by public funding and the creation of high quality public realm.

The Ouseburn Central site sits at the hub of the whole Ouseburn Valley. It occupies a key strategic position at the confluence of many routes in, out and through the area. It is bounded by the Ouseburn Farm to the North and Cut Bank/Byker Bank, a major traffic route from the east end of the city to the Quayside to the South.

The aim of the Ouseburn Central Masterplan is to develop a proposal for site layout and mix of use together with a set of design principles and requirements which aim to satisfy the Councils vision of a sustainable urban village.

The Ouseburn Valley has a unique character and strong identity. Historically the area was a highly dense urban/industrial environment. Today art, music, culture, leisure, small businesses and the 'informal sector' all mix together and overlap to give a degree of vibrancy. Although a residential community is yet to become established within the valley, stakeholders, and a number of interested parties who use the Valley fiercely protect The Ouseburn's identity. It was felt therefore that it would be inappropriate to re-brand the area, dominate or overpower its existing character. Instead, the urban design process aims to draw out what is already there, build on and support the existing uses - work around and with, the remaining historic built fabric.

The opportunity exists to develop the Ouseburn Central Area as both catalyst and exemplar for sustainable, vibrant, urban living in the heart of the Newcastle conurbation.