Part of a large site originally, the area is now a partially cleared wasteland. Most of the buildings have been demolished but 2 large contructions still exist in a badly run down state. These occupy part of the steep embankment beside the allotments on the north side Skinnerburn road.

The Elswick Lead Works opened under the name 'Walkers, Fishwick and Co.' in 1778. 

There was once a huge array of buildings on the site including the once iconic shot tower (demolished in 1969).

The factory (now owned by 'Calder Industrial Minerals') finally closed in 2002 and the site was cleared to its present state soon after this.

The remaining buildings are now mostly inhabited by the city's homeless and urban explorers.