If you run a shop in Newcastle, Gateshead, or anywhere across the North East, you already know how hard it can be to stand out on a busy high street. Your fascia sign tells people who you are when they’re standing right in front of your door — but what about the customers walking past from the other direction? That’s where a projecting sign comes in. If you are comparing projecting signs Newcastle sign makers offer, this guide covers styles, materials, planning permission and costs in one place.
A projecting sign (sometimes called a blade sign or hanging sign) juts out from your shop front at a right angle, making your business visible to foot traffic from both directions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about projecting signs for shops in Newcastle and the wider North East — from styles and materials to planning rules and installation.
What Is a Projecting Sign?
A projecting sign is exactly what it sounds like: a sign that projects outward from the wall of your building, usually mounted at a 90-degree angle. Unlike a flat fascia sign that sits flush above your entrance, a projecting sign sticks out so it’s readable from down the street — even when someone is approaching from the side.
They’re particularly effective for shops on narrow streets, in arcades, or in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. If you’ve ever walked through Eldon Square or Grainger Market in Newcastle, you’ve seen dozens of them — and you probably noticed the ones that got your attention before the ones that didn’t.
Why Projecting Signs Newcastle Retailers Choose Them
Newcastle’s city centre is a mix of busy shopping streets, covered markets, and historic lanes. In areas like Grainger Market, Bigg Market, and the Quayside, foot traffic is constant — but so is the competition for attention. A well-designed projecting sign gives you a visibility advantage that a flat fascia alone can’t match.
Here’s why they’re worth the investment:
- 360-degree visibility: Customers approaching from either side of the street can see your sign without turning their heads.
- Pedestrian eye level: Mounted at around 2.5–3 metres, projecting signs sit right in a walker’s natural line of sight.
- Brand reinforcement: A second sign reinforces your brand identity beyond your main shop signage.
- Night-time visibility: When combined with illuminated sign options, a projecting sign keeps working after dark.
Types of Projecting Signs
1. Illuminated Projecting Signs
Adding LED illumination to your projecting sign is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost visibility. LED-lit blade signs are bright, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. They’re especially valuable for restaurants, takeaways, pubs, and late-night retail on streets like the Bigg Market or the Diamond Strip where evening footfall matters.
Modern LED modules can be front-lit, back-lit (for a halo glow effect), or fully illuminated. Back-lit signs are particularly popular with upmarket retailers and hospitality venues because they create a subtle, premium look.
2. Non-Illuminated Projecting Signs
If your shop is in a conservation area or you’re on a tighter budget, a non-illuminated projecting sign is still a strong choice. These can be made from Dibond, Foamex, or acrylic, and they’re versatile enough to suit everything from a traditional Gateshead newsagent to a modern Jesmond boutique.
3. Hanging Bracket Signs
For pubs, cafés, and independent shops in areas like Tynemouth or Hexham, a hanging bracket sign offers a more traditional look. The sign is suspended from a decorative metal bracket mounted to the wall, giving it a classic swing-sign appearance. These work beautifully in heritage settings and conservation areas where a modern blade sign might look out of place.
4. 3D Letter Projecting Signs
For a bolder, more premium look, 3D acrylic letters can be mounted onto a projecting sign panel, creating depth and shadow that catches the eye. These are popular with hair salons, barbers, and lifestyle brands that want their signage to feel architectural.
Materials for Projecting Signs
The right material depends on your location, budget, and how long you want the sign to last:
- Aluminium composite (Dibond): Lightweight, weatherproof, and excellent for outdoor projecting signs. Won’t rust or warp.
- Foamex (PVC): Budget-friendly and great for short-term or indoor projecting signs. Slightly less durable outdoors.
- Acrylic: Premium finish, available in a huge range of colours. Ideal for illuminated panels where light needs to pass through.
- Stainless steel: For high-end retail or hospitality. Tough, corrosion-resistant, and looks fantastic brushed or polished.
Not sure which material suits your shop? Our outdoor sign materials guide covers the pros and cons in detail.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Projecting Sign in Newcastle?
In most cases, yes — or at least advertisement consent. Newcastle City Council regulates projecting signs more strictly than flat fascia signs because they protrude into the public highway and can affect pedestrian safety, sightlines, and the character of an area.
Key things to know:
- Projecting signs typically must not extend more than 1 metre from the wall.
- There’s usually a minimum clearance of 2.6 metres above pavement level.
- In conservation areas (like Grainger Town), materials and design may be restricted.
- Listed buildings require listed building consent in addition to advertisement consent.
For a full breakdown, read our guide to planning permission for signs in Newcastle.
How Much Do Projecting Signs in Newcastle Cost?
Projecting sign prices vary widely depending on size, material, illumination, and mounting hardware:
- Basic non-illuminated Foamex blade sign: From £150–£300
- Dibond projecting sign with vinyl graphics: £250–£500
- Illuminated LED blade sign: £400–£900
- Premium 3D letter or stainless steel projecting sign: £600–£1,500+
Installation and bracket hardware are usually priced separately. For a fuller picture of shop sign costs in the region, see our Newcastle shop sign cost guide.
Installation and Maintenance
Projecting signs need to be securely mounted — they catch wind and carry more load than a flat sign. Professional installation is essential, especially for illuminated signs that require weatherproof electrical connections.
Regular maintenance is straightforward: check brackets annually, clean the sign face with mild soap and water, and inspect any electrical components for weather damage. A well-made projecting sign from a reputable sign maker should last 5–10 years outdoors with minimal upkeep.
Why Choose DE Signs for Your Projecting Sign?
At DE Signs, we’ve been making projecting signs for Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, and the wider North East for years. We handle everything in-house — design, fabrication, electrical work, and installation — so you get a single point of contact and a sign that’s built to last.
Whether you need a simple blade sign for a Grainger Market stall or a fully illuminated projecting sign for a Quayside restaurant, we’ll help you choose the right style, material, and mounting solution for your building and budget.
Get in touch for a free quote, or explore our range of shop signs, illuminated signs, and commercial signage solutions.
Related services: compare options for your fascia on our shop signs & banners and illuminated signs pages, or get a free quote.
Want projecting signs or any other shop signage? As long-established Gateshead sign makers we design, make and fit signage across Newcastle, Gateshead and the North East.
Looking for sign makers in Newcastle?
DE Signs North East are a family-run team of sign makers in Newcastle upon Tyne, designing and installing business signs for companies across the North East since 1978. Call 0800 288 8004 for a free quote or send us a message.