Work has started on a new transport hub in North Tyneside as part of a town's regeneration.
The hub, on the site of the former Co-op building on Bedford Street, in North Shields, will bring all bus services in the town together and closer to Metro and taxi facilities.
The project also includes new amenities such as public toilets and a Changing Places facility.
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Work is now under way to strip the inside of the building before demolition begins in three weeks’ time. The job is expected to take nine weeks to complete.
Coun 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 project is being carried out by North Tyneside Council’s construction partner Wilmott Dixon.
The work will take place between 8am and 6pm on weekdays. It may also be necessary for work on Saturdays between 8am and midday but only if absolutely essential. There will be no work on Sundays or bank holidays.
The project will include:
- Three weeks stripping the inside of the building, followed by the demolition of the structure 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 will be operating from temporary bus stops
The council issues regular e-newsletters on North Shields regeneration – to sign up, email AmbitionNS@northtyneside.gov.uk and put ‘Subscribe’ in the subject line. If you have any queries, phone 0191 643 4830.
