The footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro Station has finally reopened, three years after it was damaged during Storm Otto in October 2023. The Grade II listed structure, which has been out of action since the storm, is the final component of a multi-million-pound renewal scheme at the station.
Restoration Details
The restoration work included structural repairs, strengthening of steelwork, installation of new decking, stairs, and handrails, a full repaint, new signage, seats, and improved accessibility features. The footbridge opened to passengers on Monday, although the works were originally scheduled for completion in May.
The station's canopy was restored last year as part of the broader renewal project. Whitley Bay Station has been part of the Metro network since it opened in 1980 and was granted listed status in 1986. Approximately 1.2 million passenger journeys are made to and from the station each year, with summer being particularly busy due to visitors to the town's Blue Flag Beach and St. Mary's Lighthouse.
Official Comments
Coun Carl Johnson, deputy mayor of North Tyneside Council, said: "It's fantastic to see this historic footbridge fully restored and back in use. It's another great example of investment in North Tyneside's transport infrastructure, while preserving the character of a much-loved station."
The footbridge restoration was carried out by Gateshead-based G&B Civil Engineering on behalf of Nexus. Paul Welford, major projects director at Nexus, expressed his pleasure at the completion of the restoration. He stated: "The project ensures that this historic structure has been restored to its former glory so it can continue to serve our customers for many years to come, dovetailing with the wider renewal work at this station that we completed last year."
Additional Benefits
The restoration of the footbridge has also provided a boost for a heritage railway in Northumberland. The Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway in Ashington received a donation of surplus materials from the project, which it will use in its own restoration due to be completed later this year.
