South Shields Town Centre Regeneration

THE CHALLENGE

SYSTRA was commissioned by Muse to join their team which would be responsible for delivering works to improve the road network and public amenity spaces around South Shields Town Centre. The project comprised the demolition of the existing Metro (light railway) Station as well as the removal of a series of small bus shelter stands. A new bus/rail interchange would be constructed and the surrounding road network improved to provide a greater emphasis on enhanced pedestrian amenity and upgraded surface finishes.

SYSTRA’S ROLE

The existing road network was improved by removing capacity constraints where possible through a series of road widenings and signal controls at several locations. SYSTRA carried out a study which identified those problem areas and undertook the detailed design of the recommended improvements. The change from vehicle priority to pedestrian priority in the streets surrounding the new interchange required SYSTRA to design and detail a high profile area in South Shields Town Centre. The surface levels, drainage layout and construction details/specification were provided by SYSTRA and were developed in close collaboration with the wider design team. The scheme was recognised as highly important to the local authority and in recognition of this fact SYSTRA organised a workshop for South Tyneside Council to present our designs and invite feedback/commentary.