Mayor approves £53.6 million transport package

A new package of transport funding is set to improve roads, public transport hubs and travel access across the North East.

A £53.6 million investment package is expected to be approved by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority Cabinet to support a range of transport improvements across the region.

One of the headline projects is a £7.94 million refurbishment of the Regent Centre Metro and Bus Interchange, which will include upgrades to platforms and the concourse, improved bus waiting facilities and clearer wayfinding for passengers. 

Work is expected to begin this summer.

Paul Welford, major projects director at Nexus, said: “Regent Centre Interchange plays a vital role within Newcastle and connecting people to where they need to be. 

“As a strategic hub on both the Metro and bus network, it’s essential that Regent Centre sets the standard for what modern, high‑quality and accessible public transport should look like in our region.

“This refurbishment is about creating an interchange that supports multi‑modal travel and makes it easier for passengers to access the station, and begin region‑wide journeys.

“The investment will deliver refurbished Metro platforms and a brighter, more welcoming station concourse to improve crowd flow, both complementing the arrival of our new Metro fleet. 

“We have already completed the installation of a new ticket gate line, which enhances customer safety and deters anti-social behaviour. 

“Further improvements include removing the old metal roof canopy, improved signage and enhancing welfare facilities for Nexus employees.”

The funding programme also allocates £22 million for highways maintenance, supporting local authorities with road repairs and pothole improvements on top of £73.5 million previously committed.

Additional investment includes £7 million for Metro asset renewals and £8.52 million to develop and deliver transport schemes in County Durham.

The package will also extend free travel passes for care-experienced young people across the region and support further development work on the Northumberland Line extension to Newbiggin-on-Sea.

Mayor McGuinness added: “I want better transport for everyone in the North East and we’re investing to make this a reality for local people. 

“We’ll be giving Regent Centre Metro and Bus Interchange a new lease of life, with a £7.94 million upgrade to make it nicer, safer and more accessible for passengers, so I’m pleased work will get underway soon.

“We’re also providing an extra £22m in highways funding to our local authorities so we can make progress in tackling maintenance across our road network - there are too many potholes on our region’s roads.”

Alongside the funding proposals, the mayor and cabinet are set to review a high-level plan for future Transport for City Regions funding, which will contribute towards projects such as the Metro to Washington scheme and continued development of the Angel Network, a long-term vision for a more integrated regional transport system.

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