One of the busiest streets in North Shields town centre is about to be transformed by a major programme of improvements.
What is planned
Works to upgrade Bedford Street are due to start in September 2024 with completion in mid 2025. The street will be repaved, with mature trees and seating added.
Works will be phased so that the Christmas Market will still operate and access to businesses is maintained. The works will be carried out by our construction partner Capita.
The scheme will have a high-quality finish, bringing it up to the same standard as other regeneration sites in the town with new lighting, seating, landscaping and paving.
We have spoken to businesses about their access needs and we can confirm the scheme will include several new loading areas adjacent to Bedford Street, see the plan below.
Safety concerns have been raised with the Council by members of the public about the number of vehicles driving through this pedestrianised area and the risk this poses to their safety when walking along Bedford Street.
Our proposals will limit vehicle access to emergency and maintenance vehicles only from monitored access points on Russell Street and Wellington Street.
We have considered the needs of those with limited mobility to access the pedestrianised area. We have included additional blue badge parking bays on Russell Street and relaxed waiting restrictions on Wellington Street and West Percy Street.
What is happening?
Improvements to Bedford Street are due to start in September 2024 and finish in Spring 2025. Bedford Street will be repaved, with new trees and seating added. Only emergency and maintenance vehicles will have access. The pedestrian area will be extended south from Wellington Street to connect to Saville Street. The work is being done by our construction partner Capita.
Why are we doing it?
Improvements to Bedford Street are part of our Ambition for North Shields and the Fish Quay. This aims to create a more vibrant town centre with smarter public spaces. Bedford Street will have a high-quality finish, like other recent schemes including the Town Square and Howard Street. We are stopping vehicle access to make the street safer for pedestrians.
Who is paying for it?
It’s being paid for by Government funding, via the North East Combined Authority and Active Travel England. It’s not being paid for from council tax.
Will businesses stay open?
We are making sure there is access to shops and other businesses all the way through the works. We have spoken to them all about deliveries and new loading bays are being provided. The Christmas market will still go ahead.
Where will I park?
You will not be able to park on Bedford Street. If you have a blue badge, extra spaces are being added on Russell Street. If you are dropping off, you can use Wellington Street and West Percy Street. The Beacon Centre multi-storey is the best parking option for shoppers.
I have a question, how do I get in touch?
You can email AmbitionNS@northtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 643 4830.
