Welcome to Byker!
Designed and built by renowned Architect Ralph Erskine, the Byker Estate transformed the housing landscape of the East End of Newcastle during the 1970s and 1980s.
Prior to the estate being built, the terraced homes that stood throughout Byker were marked unfit for habitation, leading the council to demolish and build the Byker Estate area. 
Erskine had a vision to build for the returning community. Byker residents played a key role in designing the estate with homes and facilities that would best meet their needs, which has shaped how the estate still stands today.
The estate was deemed architecturally significant in 2007 and awarded Grade II* listed status, meaning the estate is required to stay as Erskine built it, preserving its history and iconic status.
Karbon Homes officially took over ownership and management of all homes and land on the Byker Estate in 2021, heightening the services available to customers and allowing them to benefit from home upgrades and a multimillion-pound environmental investment programme.
With the Ouseburn on our doorstep, we’re very excited to be a part of the first ever ELEMENTS street art festival.
Our sign was created by artist Nocciola The Drawer in collaboration with seven young people from the Foundation Futures Byker Futures youth group, ages 12-14.
The artist used the session to understand what the young people find welcoming, and what makes them feel at home.
The group also shared some of their favourite activities they’ve done at the youth group, such as trips out roller-skating, cooking and baking.
The artist then used these ideas along with Byker’s distinct colours to create the vibrant and fun sign that sits at the heart of the estate.
This sign is one of 23 pieces of art created as part of the 2024 edition of ELEMENTS: Street Art Festival. Head to https://www.facebook.com/elements.streetartfest