Northumberland Square, Central Library

The North Eastern Railway Tynemouth Branch was built in the 1840s. It ran through an east-west tunnel under the south edge of Northumberland Square and Suex Street. As the tunnel is relatively shallow, created by cut-and-cover of the road and the empty sites lining it, it stifled developments along its line. The railway left a gap in the south-west corner of Northumberland Square. This was set out as gardens until engineers were able to build over the railway. The 1960s Central Library straddles the tunnel on a series of columns and spreads over the line of both roads in the south-west corner of the Square and truncates Camden Street. Square flat-topped flue on roof. The library breaks the square's intended symmetry. However it is neutral to the adjacent Conservation Area.