A PROJECT to revive the oldest part of Newcastle city centre has been celebrated in miniature.

A sculptural map of the Grainger Town Project, a three-dimensional bronze model of the heart of the city, helps to illustrate the six-year regeneration programme. Funded by regional development agency, One NorthEast, the £50,000 map is the work of designers Tod Hanson of London and Simon Watkinson, of Jesmond, Newcastle, who also designed the Grey's Monument Headcubes and the Theatre Royal lighting scheme.

Mr Watkinson said: "We have taken a few liberties in laying out the streets, but having said that, it is still a fairly truthful representation.

"Most important really are the density of the buildings and the pivotal role of Grey's Monument."

The piece, part of the £1.2m Grainger Town Public Art Programme, is installed on the northern side of Neville Street, close to the Central Station.

Councillor Tony Flynn, chairman of the Grainger Town Partnership, said: "At a time when increasing numbers of visitors are coming to and exploring the city, it is appropriate that a map is provided which focuses on Grainger Town - the heart of the city - and presents its past, present and future qualities.

"The map will provide an impressionistic and inventive overview of Grainger Town while still enabling the public to view the cityscape in miniature."

Phil Hughes, One NorthEast board member said: "Artwork is fast becoming recognised as an important part of regeneration and the artworks programme being installed within the city centre is a prime example of this in action. This 3D map is a great piece of sculpture which provides an easy-to-understand visual of the changes in Grainger Town over the past six years."