£500,000 transformation for Forest Hall

Major plans have been revealed to transform the centre of Forest Hall and create a welcoming village feel.

North Tyneside Council is investing £500,000 to carry out a number of improvements to the shopping area.

The scheme involves a much-needed increase in the amount of parking spaces and making the area more pleasant for visitors and residents.

It builds on recent efforts by the council and police to tackle anti-social behaviour and complements the ongoing refurbishment of the former council offices at Irving House to residential apartments.

On-street parking provision will be increased to the south of Station Road North in the central shopping area, as well as on Lansdowne Road and on Station Road North, heading out of Forest Hall.

There are also plans to provide an electric vehicle charging point.

A traffic calming scheme on Station Road will be introduced by installing a raised table on the approach, which will naturally slow traffic to make it easier for vehicles to get in and out.

Street furniture, including seats, bins and bollards, will be replaced and the paving on the north side of Station Road North will be upgraded with the footpath widened by shortening the parking bays.

Drop-in events will be taking place to give residents the chance to find out more about the plans.

There will also be the opportunity for people to vote for their favourite from either traditional or contemporary style new street furniture and paving.

Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “We have listened to residents in Forest Hall who have told us there is a lack parking spaces in the shopping area and that the area needs brightening up.

“We want to create a pleasant, welcoming village feel and enhance the area for everyone and that’s why we are investing £500,000 to carry out a number of improvements.

“I would urge all residents, young and old, to come along to one of our drop-in sessions and find out more about the scheme and have your say on which style of street furniture and surfacing you prefer.

“There are a number of positive things happening in Forest Hall and this scheme will build on this and make it somewhere people can be proud to call home.”

The drop-in events will take place at Forest Hall Library in Whitfield Road between 2pm and 5pm on Tuesday 6 March and between 2pm and 7pm on Thursday 8 March.

ENDS