North Shields residents back moving ferry landing as part of development plans

The ‘Ambition for North Shields and the Fish Quay’ masterplan, sets out proposals to improve the town.

The plan has been developed since receiving £200,000 from the North of Tyne Combined Authority.

It outlines nine separate projects for the town centre and Fish Quay to be developed including moving the North Shields ferry landing to Western Quay.

Plans include enhancing key areas, creating a new transport hub and interchange and town square to host events, markets and performances, improved walking and cycling routes in the town centre, a new cultural quarter and riverside walkway linking the town centre to the Fish Quay.

Darren Snowdon, 54, said the proposals will improve the area he loves.

He said: “I would never move anywhere else. I love it here. I think it’s going to be an improvement.

“I think it [the ferry landing] will be of benefit but I live on the top of the bank.

“It’s got to be for the better – it will be good for business, the businesses will take off once we get some normality back.

“The only downside [to the fish quay] is the litter, they have put loads of bins out but they get congested and people put rubbish next to the bins rather than take it home.”

His daughter Jasmin, 27, said: “I live opposite where they are going to move it – it will bring more footfall down here.

“It’s nice to have energy rather than being flat and quiet which is why I moved here in the first place.

“It would be nice if they could close the street off like they did last summer. They put tables out, it was really, really lovely.”

John Good, 30, joint owner of Californian-inspired Mexican restaurant and bar Lobo Rojo, echoed the comments, and said moving the ferry landing would increase footfall.

He said: “I think it’s positive, it will bring a lot more customers here.”

The authority also wants to redevelop the adjacent Tyne Brand site, which used to be home to the biggest canned meat producer in the country.

However, as the land is owned by several different parties, development has so far been “deterred”.

Mr Good added: “There is a good vibe and it is getting better and better. The redevelopment of Tyne Brand will be great for our area.”

Liz Marijt said the plans would make the area more accessible for older people and those with physical disabilities.

She said: “I think it is a good idea, the parking that way is quite difficult for folk. especially for people with mobility issues.

“It’s all about accessibility – this helps older people and people with disabilities, it just makes sense.”

Her friend Helen Fenwick added: “After 40 years overseas I look at this and it’s just fabulous.”

John Burwood, a former trawler operator, was sceptical, but urged the the council to preserve the fish quay’s working heritage.

He said: “It will not make any difference whatsoever, we’re only talking 500 yards.

“When all the people come across they come here anyway it’s just a short distance.

“North Tyneside Council need to honour the heritage of the fish quay. Without the heritage it’s not the fish quay, it will be like any other place in the country where the heritage has been lost.

“I hope that never happens, the heritage of the fish quay is the very thing that attracts people.”

His daughter Nicola, who owns Twelve Twenty Five, named after the year the town started to be built added: “I love it here, the heritage is very important as well.”

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.