Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to help shape an ambitious package of improvements that will support the ongoing transformation of Wallsend town centre and create safer, greener and more attractive streets for the future.
North Tyneside Council has unveiled proposals for public realm, walking and cycling improvements across Wallsend, focused on better connecting key destinations, supporting local businesses and making the town centre a more welcoming place to spend time.
The investment forms part of the wider Ambition for Wallsend programme and reflects the town’s central role in North Tyneside’s future: a place with a unique heritage, strong communities and significant opportunities for regeneration, growth and better local connections.
People are now being asked to give their views before the proposals are finalised. The plans are centred around four key projects:
- Forum Square: Plans would transform the square into a greener, more welcoming destination with high-quality paving, improved walking routes, new seating and planting, enhanced cycle parking, an upgraded bandstand and a more prominent location for the listed Market Woman statue. The former toilet block would also be demolished to create a more open and attractive public space.
- High Street East and High Street West: Improvements would include new and upgraded crossings, resurfaced footways and carriageways, and measures to give pedestrians greater priority at side-road junctions. Residents will also be asked for their views on potential crossing improvements on High Street East linking Laburnum Avenue to Park Road.
- West Street: Proposed improvements are designed to enhance safety and connectivity for people walking, wheeling and cycling, especially for children going to and from school. The plans include a segregated cycleway, new and upgraded crossing points on West Street and Rutland Road and improved access to the Coast Road underpass.
- North Road and David Street Link: The scheme would improve walking and cycling connections between West Street, Richardson Dees Park, Station Road and neighbouring streets, including a proposed signal-controlled cycle crossing at the Station Road, Elton Street and Hawthorn Grove junction.
- High Street East and High Street West: Improvements would include new and upgraded crossings, resurfaced footways and carriageways, and measures to give pedestrians greater priority at side-road junctions. Residents will also be asked for their views on potential crossing improvements on High Street East linking Laburnum Avenue to Park Road.
Councillor Charlie Gray, North Tyneside Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
"Wallsend is a town with a proud past and an exciting future, and these proposals are about helping to unlock that potential.
"This investment would create better streets and public spaces, improve walking, wheeling and cycling links. Making it easier and safer for people to access shops, services, local schools, green spaces, public transport and local neighbourhoods.
"Most importantly, we want local people and businesses to help shape what happens next so that the final scheme reflects the needs, ambitions and opportunities of Wallsend now and for generations to come. So please get involved, complete the survey and share your views to help shape this next stage of these regeneration plans."
The investment is being delivered through the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority’s (NEMSA) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme and supports the wider Ambition for Wallsend programme, which is helping to drive long-term regeneration, improve local connectivity and strengthen the town centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. The feedback from the consultation will support the Council in seeking full approval of the CRSTS investment.
With a history stretching back to Roman times as the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, and a proud industrial heritage on the River Tyne, Wallsend is already a place of national significance. These proposals are part of a longer-term opportunity to celebrate that identity while creating a town centre that is better connected, more accessible and ready to support future homes, jobs, investment and community life.
Residents will be able to view the proposals and provide feedback online via the Have Your Say website, as well as at face-to-face consultation events at Wallsend Community Hub and Library at the following times:
- Thursday 24 September, 12.30pm to 5pm
- Friday 25 September, 9.30am to 1pm
- Saturday 26 September, 9.30am to 12.30pm
- Saturday 3 October, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Subject to approval, the West Street scheme is expected to be considered in January 2027, with the remaining town centre schemes due to follow in March 2027. Construction is currently expected to begin in spring and summer 2027.
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