North Shields Embankment Walkway

As part of our ambitious plans to improve North Shields and transform the town into a residential location of choice and an attractive, family-friendly destination we are installing a new embankment walkway linking the town centre to the Fish Quay.

It forms part of our aims to create a smaller but more vibrant, high-quality town centre; to create more flexible retail opportunities and expand the evening and weekend economy; to improve public transport and the quality of walking and cycling connections across the town (including better links to Fish Quay); and to raise and improve the quality of the built environment and the quality of public space in North Shields with more of it suitable for hosting events and festivals.

The designs include a new high-quality walkway, aimed at improving access where accessibility can be difficult between the improved town centre and vibrant Fish Quay, making it easier for people to travel between the two parts of town.

The walkway will feature green open spaces and there will be different route options to suit every need, including step-free routes and steps with handrails, as well as a direct route from top to bottom via steps.

The scheme has been designed with environmental sustainability and safety at its heart and it will become an attraction in its own right and provide benefits for health and wellbeing. It also features provision for artwork to be displayed and potential commercial opportunities.

The aim is to attract more people to the area and vastly improve the appearance of the local landscape.

Works on the Embankment Walkway began in September 2022 with vegetation clearance on the bank. The new scheme will involve extensive planting, resulting in an overall net gain for biodiversity.

From November 2023, works began to prepare the embankment for construction. This involves drilling into the ground and securing metal sheets down the slope, otherwise known as sheet piling, to reinforce the bank ahead of development works beginning.

This is the most disruptive phase of the construction programme, measures are in place to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum. 

In February the team discovered several challenging areas underground which will need a different approach to pile through. 

This means a different method of piling is required to clear the obstructions, which will involve the construction of a rig on the embankment from which driven piles will be installed. We are working with our construction partner Willmott Dixon to ensure the works recommence as soon as possible, but due to a shortage in specialised machinery available to us, it may be months until piling works can recommence.

Residents and businesses will be kept up to date with the progress of works with frequent letters. We will also be posting regular updates on our Facebook page and in our monthly newsletter. To subscribe please email AmbitionNS@northtyneside.gov.uk

Bell Street is closed in both directions. Parking in the area will not be affected. The Fish Quay is accessible to vehicles via Tanners Bank and Brewhouse Bank. 

• Residents/businesses west of the closure will still be able to access their properties/car park via Bedford Street, Borough Road, and Dock Road.
• Residents/businesses east of the closure will be able to access their properties via Brewhouse Bank and Tanners Bank.

The road closure will not affect access for pedestrians or cyclists. However, during periods where road space is unavailable, cyclists will be required to dismount and use the narrow footpath section adjacent to the closure on Bell Street. 

Access restrictions to Brewhouse Bank have now been removed. 

If you have any questions about our plans for North Shields, or the ongoing regeneration works, you can contact us by:

Email: AmbitionNS@northtyneside.gov.uk

Tel: (0191) 643 4830