The creation of a modern and convenient transport hub in North Shields has taken a major step forward.
Set to bring public transport together into one central place and attract more people to the town centre, North Tyneside Council’s proposed transport hub will be located on the site of the former Co-op building on Bedford Street.
The hub will provide a modern and convenient, high-quality facility bringing all bus services in the town together and closer to the Metro, taxis and links to cycling infrastructure – making it easier for people to choose cleaner, greener forms of travel. Also included in the proposals are local amenities such as public toilets and a Changing Places facility.
Work is now underway to strip the inside of the building before demolition begins in three weeks’ time.
The work is expected to take nine weeks to complete.
Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “This is another important milestone in the very exciting regeneration project, which will breathe new life into the town centre and riverside.
“I am pleased that following the Co-op’s decision to close, we were able to purchase the site, meaning it is immediately being redeveloped into a much-needed facility rather than it potentially remaining vacant.
“The transport hub will bring public transport together into one area, making it easier for people to travel in and out of the town centre. This in turn will attract more people into the area, giving local businesses a much-needed boost.
“We will, of course, work hard to keep noise and disruption to an absolute minimum, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding over the coming weeks.”
The scheme is being delivered by the Council’s appointed construction partner Wilmott Dixon.
The work includes:
• Three weeks stripping the inside of the building, followed by the demolition of the building due to take place from the end of March until the end of April
• Parking bays on the west side of Rudyerd Street between Railway Terrace and William Street will be suspended for the duration of the works. Rudyerd Street will also temporarily become one-way with no northbound access
• Two sets of investigation trenches will be dug in the footpaths at the back of Railway Terrace and near to the Metro station ramp in order to assess the depth of utilities and services. These areas are adjacent to vacant premises. The footpaths will be fenced off, but the road will remain open
• A number of bus services operating from temporary bus stops from 27 February 2022.
