31.07.19
Multi-million-pound Metro Station opens in South Tyneside
A multi-million-pound transport interchange in South Tyneside is set to welcome its first passengers after a major refit.
The £21million facility in South Shields, which incorporates a relocated Metro station will open this weekend.
The statement building, which is clad in striking copper shingle, has been under construction since April last year. Its completion marks a major milestone in the £100m South Shields 365 regeneration masterplan being delivered by South Tyneside Council.
Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “We’re tremendously proud of this new facility, which has been delivered on schedule and is ready to welcome thousands of Great North Runners next month. First impressions count and the new interchange really does provide a smart, high quality arrival point into the town.
“Phase One of South Shields 365, The Word, has resulted in an additional 450,000 visitors a year coming to the town centre - so providing first class public transport facilities and improved connectivity is vital.
“By investing in infrastructure and delivering fantastic facilities such as this we are stimulating confidence in the private sector to follow suit.”
Demolition of the existing Metro station and further public realm work will be completed following the opening.
The project received £9.4m from the Local Growth Deal through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership. The Local Growth Deal is supporting major capital investments to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport across the North East LEP area.
South Shields’ Transport Interchange Facts:
- It will be used by 7.5 million passengers a year
- There will be 462 Metro train arrivals and departures a day
- The building is clad in 3,857 gold panels
- There are more than 35,000 wall tiles on the building’s interior
- 101,585 hours have been worked onsite to build the new facility
- There are 220 metres of new track, and 400 new sleepers
- 43 tonnes of new rail
- 1,200 tonnes of new track ballast
- 6 new overhead line masts
- 1km of new overhead wires
- 8km of new signalling cable