Pets’ Corner in Jesmond Dene is undergoing a refurbishment, with Newcastle City Council planning improved animal enclosures and a new space for an as-yet-unidentified arrival next year.

The popular attraction will remain open at weekends but will be closed from Monday to Friday for around 10 weeks while the work takes place. The refurbishment began on October 12th.

The work follows the recent opening of a new children’s play area in Jesmond Dene. The Chronicle has reported that essential maintenance will be carried out and improvements made to existing animal habitats, including the enclosures for rabbits and guinea pigs.

It is also preparing “a brand-new space for an exciting new arrival next year”, although it has not revealed what the new arrival will be. Further new arrivals and visitor experiences are also planned.

Cllr Peter Allen told JesmondLocal: “The latest improvements at Pets’ Corner are part of a wider promise by the new Lib Dem-led Council to improve all our parks, play areas and green spaces across the city.”

“The improvements will make the enclosures used by the existing animals in Pets Corner more suitable to their needs and make it easier for children to see the animals in their new quarters,” he added.

Local student and frequent Pets’ Corner visitor Sophie Jefferson told JesmondLocal: “It is definitely a shame that I won’t be able to get my pet fix as much as I’d desire, but if it means more animals are coming then I’m pretty excited.

“As long as the animals are looked after and the area is made even nicer for them then it sounds like a very good addition,” she said.

Reaction online from local residents has been mixed, with some welcoming the changes while others have pointed to issues that have yet to be fixed. The council says the animals will be “safely relocated to temporary enclosures” and will continue to be cared for throughout the refurbishment.

A confirmed completion date has not yet been announced. Visitors can continue to enjoy Pets’ Corner at weekends, with free entry.