01.12.17
First work starts on ‘modern and vibrant’ £100m South Shields transport hub
Demolition work has begun in the centre of South Shields, as the town prepares for the construction of a £100m transport hub.
When completed, the hub will provide another major station for the Tyne and Wear Metro system, as well as a new bus interchange.
The first construction work on the town centre ‘masterplan’ is expected to begin in Spring 2018 after a planned three months of demolition is completed.
Councillor Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, commented: “Phase Two of our masterplan is gathering pace and people will start to see physical changes happening around the town now.
“We’ve got hundreds of thousands of new visitors attracted to the town centre, thanks to The Word and our other regeneration successes on the Foreshore and Riverside.
“Creating a high-quality sense of arrival; enhanced public transport facilities and improved connectivity is crucial.”
The project received £9.4m from the Local Growth Deal through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The Local Growth Deal was developed as a major capital investments programme to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport across the North East LEP area.
Managing director of Nexus, Tobyn Hughes, said: “These demolitions mark the start of the work to provide South Shields with a modern and vibrant new bus and Metro interchange, which we believe will help attract more people to the town centre for shopping and leisure.
“We are excited to be working alongside South Tyneside Council and its partners to deliver this project, which will see Metro and bus facilities in South Shields transformed alongside the rest of the town centre.”
Top image: South Tyneside Council
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