The £21m transport interchange facility in South Shields, which incorporates a modern bus station and relocated Metro station, will welcome its first passengers 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 and partner Muse Developments.
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.
“By investing in infrastructure and delivering fantastic facilities such as this we are stimulating confidence in the private sector to follow suit.
“Now we’re refining our plans for Phase Three, which will provide an enhanced retail, leisure and housing offer to help create a vibrant town centre experience, day and night.”
The landmark building, which is expected to be used by 7.5m passengers a year, was designed by The Harris Partnership and constructed by Bowmer and Kirkland.
Demolition of the existing Metro station and further public realm work will be completed following the opening.
David Wells, regional director of Muse Developments, said: “It’s a great day for South Shields that marks the culmination of several years’ work from the whole 365 team.
“The replacement of the old Metro station and development of an integrated interchange was a clear objective for the 365 regeneration programme, which has created a safer, more accessible facility for passengers, while providing a real sense of arrival for visitors.
The facility will now be handed over to public body Nexus to manage. Tobyn Hughes, managing director of Nexus, said: “This new £21m transport interchange is a landmark development for South Shields. It represents a major investment in modern new facilities.
“The development builds on the investment that Nexus has made in South Tyneside over the last few years, including refurbished stations and a new learning centre that we are building there for the training needs of our workforce.”
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.
