People are being asked for their views to help develop initial proposals to revitalise North Shields town centre.
North Tyneside Council has launched a public consultation on its draft ‘Ambition for North Shields and Fish Quay masterplan’.
The plan is to be developed further following feedback received from residents, partners, investors and local businesses through the consultation. No decisions on the proposals have been made.
It is a key part of the council’s ‘Ambition for North Tyneside’ strategy and sets out proposals to create a small, more vibrant and connected town centre, as and when funding becomes available.
The aim is to combine living, working and retail and transform the town centre into a family-friendly destination and connect it to the increasingly vibrant Fish Quay.
This will be supported by improving public transport, walking and cycling connections and enhancing the built environment and public spaces to host events and festivals.
Earlier this month (3 August 2020) Cabinet agreed to use the draft masterplan for consultation purposes.
Brochures with details about the proposals and space to leave comments are being delivered to all homes in the area covered by the masterplan.
The plans will also be displayed in the North Shields Customer First Centre where people can leave their comments in a post box. Anyone needing further information can request to be called back by video or phone by a council officer.
Feedback can also be given via an interactive online tool - further details will be released via the council’s ‘Ambition for North Shields’ Facebook page.
Cllr Bruce Pickard, North Tyneside Council’s Deputy Mayor, said: “We’re a council that has always been about ambition and these draft proposals for North Shields are no different.
“Our bold plans are aimed at creating somewhere people want to live, work and spend their leisure time.
“We’re a listening council and we want residents, businesses and other interested parties to help us shape and refine the proposals before the masterplan is finalised so I would urge everyone to have their say.
“Unfortunately, due to Coronavirus, we won’t be able to hold public events and exhibitions but there are plenty more ways to find out about the plans and comment and leave your feedback.”
The consultation will be prominently advertised around the town and posters will be on display in shops and businesses. Specific engagement will take place with partners, including business organisations, emergency services, transport user groups and the community and voluntary sector.
The masterplan has been developed since receiving £200,000 from the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NoTCA).
It outlines nine separate projects for the town centre and Fish Quay to be developed.
These include enhancing the appearance of key areas, creating a new transport hub and interchange and town square to host events, markets and performances, improved walking and cycling routes in the town centre, a new cultural quarter and riverside walkway linking the town centre to the Fish Quay.
There are also proposals for high-quality housing at key locations and moving the North Shields ferry landing to Western Quay.
The plans build on the council’s recent achievements in North Shields, including the continuing housing developments at Northumberland Square, the proposed redevelopment of Unicorn House, the ongoing restoration of the Wooden Dolly statue, the successful Heritage Action Zone funding bid from Historic England to breathe new life into Howard Street and the work to ensure the long-term economic future of the Fish Quay.
The Ambition for North Tyneside lays out a number of bold projects reflecting the authority’s ambition around its ‘our people’, ‘our place’ and ‘our economy’ themes.
It focuses on the needs of every part of the borough and sets out how the council hopes to help shape North Tyneside and make sure it is fit for the future.
As part of the consultation comments and feedback can also be emailed to Regenconsult@northtyneside.gov.uk
Find out more about the ‘Ambition for North Shields’ here and follow/like our Facebook page.
