A busy Tyne and Wear Metro line in Newcastle will undergo a nine-day closure for renewal work, including the £7.94 million refurbishment of the Regent Centre interchange. The Green Line will be closed in both directions from South Gosforth to the Airport from Saturday, August 15, to Sunday, August 23, reopening on Monday, August 24.
Scope of Work
The closure allows for the safe removal of the large metal canopy covering the Metro lines and bus station roadway at Regent Centre. The station entrance will be inaccessible during demolition. Additional works include track renewal, station upgrades at Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Fawdon, and Wansbeck Road, cable repairs, and lineside estate management. Nexus intends to 'undertake as much work as possible' during the closure.
Replacement Services and Advice
A replacement bus service will operate, calling at or near affected stations. Nexus advises customers to 'plan ahead and allow for extra time', noting that the works are scheduled during summer holidays to minimise disruption to commuters.
Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: 'This project represents a major investment in our Airport line. The closure allows us to really crack on with the renewal scheme at Regent Centre.' He added: 'The station canopy needs to come down as part of the wider station refurbishment and this can only be done safely with a line closure in place.'
Regent Centre Modernisation
The Regent Centre project, part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness' commitment to improve local transport infrastructure, will modernise the Gosforth hub. Delivered by contractor Kier, the upgrade promises a brighter environment, new retail units, and clear signage.
Welford explained: 'There is no good time to close a line, and we do so to minimise disruption to as many customers as possible. By scheduling these works during the schools’ summer break, we can avoid impacting busier commutes.'
