Willmott Dixon has partnered with North Tyneside Council to deliver a net zero transport hub and sustainable town square in North Shields
The transport hub will be the first net zero carbon building in North Tyneside, supporting the councils ambitions of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The structure will incorporate an enhanced building envelope to maximise airtightness, coupled with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and a surface water management system.
Life Cycle Carbon Assessment
At the earliest stage, the design of the project undertook a Life Cycle Carbon Assessment to ensure techniques, products and materials that reduced embodied carbon by a target of 40% were incorporated.
It will bring all bus services in North Shields together, placing them closer to the Metro, taxis and cycling links. The facility will also include local amenities such as public toilets and changing places.
Sustainable town square
As well as the transport hub, the proposal features a new open town square for events and leisure activities, creating much-needed green space and increasing biodiversity.
The square will link the town centre to the Fish Quay using a series of walkways, providing improved accessibility with step-free routes and steps with handrails.
Improved connectivity and sustainable shopping environment
Cllr Carl Johnson, deputy mayor of North Tyneside, said: “We are committed to transforming North Shields into somewhere people want to live, work and visit to help sustain the town for years to come.
“We’re now starting to see these ambitions coming to fruition with work getting underway on the ground. These are really exciting times for North Shields and there’s every reason to be optimistic for the future.
“Our investments in the proposed transport hub and town square and embankment walkway are absolutely vital to improving connectivity and helping create a vibrant and sustainable shopping environment, which will help attract new investment in the town.
“We have been sharing our plans with local communities and incorporating their feedback into the designs and will continue to listen to what people tell us as the projects evolve.”
‘New buildings and refurbishments will achieve net zero by 2030’
Nick Corrigan, director at Willmott Dixon said: “We are proud to be playing our part in delivering a project that will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre and create a new gateway for the people of North Shields. It really is a dynamic and sustainable design which will create a vibrant and innovative space for local people.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our business and through our 2030 ‘Now or Never’ sustainability strategy, we have pledged that by the end of 2030 all our new buildings and major refurbishments will achieve net zero operational carbon.
“The transport hub is a perfect example of how we can achieve those ambitions. We are focused on leaving a lasting legacy beyond bricks and mortar and that’s why we will be supporting the North Shields economy by using local businesses and creating local employment opportunities wherever possible.”
