Regent Centre set for summer upgrade

A Newcastle transport hub is set for a major summer refurbishment as part of wider plans to improve public transport infrastructure across the North East.

Regent Centre Interchange, in Gosforth, will undergo a £7.94 million upgrade led by Nexus and delivered by contractor Kier.

The project will transform the Metro station concourse, modernise platforms and improve the station frontage, creating a brighter and more accessible environment for passengers.

Improvements will include clearer signage, a new retail unit space, upgraded electrical systems and improved employee areas for Nexus staff. 

New automatic ticket gates have already been installed as part of a wider security programme.

Work will begin at the end of June and continue in phases, with most major works due to be completed by September. 

Final completion is expected in summer 2027.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Local people, especially those who travel day in, day out across the North East, deserve nothing less than an affordable world-class integrated public transport network - one that gets people to where they want to go without any hassle.

“That's why we're giving Regent Centre Interchange a new lease of life, with a £7.94 million upgrade to make it better, safer and more accessible for passengers. 

“It’s great news that work will get underway soon.”

Mandy Duncan, managing director for rail and aviation at Kier Infrastructure, added: “We’re pleased to be starting work at Regent Centre Interchange and continuing our partnership with Nexus to deliver this important refurbishment.

“By bringing together the expertise of our teams through Kier’s 360 approach, and working closely with our partners, we’ll upgrade the station in a way that improves the experience for passengers, while carefully managing the works to minimise disruption for the local community.”

The removal of the ageing canopy over the bus station roadway and Metro lines will take place between July 23 and August 30, with some bus services diverted during this period.

The Metro station will remain open through June and July, although evening closures are planned. 

A nine-day closure between South Gosforth and Airport will take place from August 15 to 23, with replacement buses operating. The car park at Regent Centre will remain open during this works.

Paul Welford, major projects director at Nexus, added: “Regent Centre Interchange plays a vital role within Newcastle in 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 and more pleasant for passengers to access the station and begin regionwide 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 across the system. 

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

“We’re delighted to be working with our partners at Kier to deliver these improvements for customers.”

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