John Marley Centre - Past and Present
John Marley Centre, Muscott Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE15 6TT
Named after Sir John Marley, a seventeenth century merchant and politician who defended Newcastle against a parliamentarian army, the building was originally a secondary modern school that ran in a similar way to traditional grammar schools but has since served as a comprehensive school, an adult education centre, and a centre for popular music.
The observation tower, with great views of the city, closed in the 1970s but will be opened up for visitors to explore as part of 2024's Heritage Open Days.
Today, it is home for organisations ranging from record stores and ballet studios, to community gardens and gyms.
John Marley Centre, Muscott Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE15 6TT
Tower inaccessible to those requiring step-free access, but the rest of the centre is wheelchair accessible.