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The Bigg Market is a site of historical significance in Newcastle upon Tyne and dates back to Middle Ages , when it was the site of a thriving marketplace that formed an important part of the Great North Road .. Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne. Middle Ages. Middle Ages. Great North Road. Great North Road ( Great Britain ). The market was named after a type of coarse barley , known as Bigg barley , that was widely sold from the stalls .. barley. barley. Other nearby markets included the Cloth Market and the Groat Market .. The Bigg Market is located close to Newcastle Cathedral .. Newcastle Cathedral. Newcastle Cathedral. The market was the former location of Newcastle 's old Town Hall , which was built between 1858 and 1863 and which housed a zoo in the 1960s .. Town Hall. Town Hall. The building was demolished in 1973 .. It was also home to the city 's only theatre , as well as the Council Chamber from the mid-19th Century , until the opening of the current Newcastle Civic Centre in 1968 .. 19th Century. 19th Century. Newcastle Civic Centre. Newcastle Civic Centre. More recently the Bigg Market has become known for its drinking culture and disorderly behaviour .. It has more than 20 bars and restaurants housed in its 31 buildings , many of which are listed buildings in a state of some disrepair .. In February 2015 the business improvement district company for Newcastle city centre received initial support of # 202,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund .. Heritage Lottery Fund. Heritage Lottery Fund. Approximately # 2.9 M of combined funding is expected to be used to reinvigorate the Bigg Market by recreating the historic area in a commercially sustainable manner .