Plans have been lodged to refurbish a listed footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro station which has been closed to the public for almost three years. The historic bridge has been out of action since extensive damage was caused to the station by Storm Otto in February 2023.
Proposals from G&B Civil Engineering Ltd to bring the bridge back to its former glory are set to cost around £870,000 and expected to be completed by spring next year. The works include structural repairs to corroded steelwork, repaired or replaced handrails, and the introduction of a non-slip deck surface.
Alterations will also be made to the existing elements supporting the staircase to bring the footbridge into modern compliance standards. The firm says: “Without intervention, these issues will continue to threaten both public safety and the bridge’s heritage value.”
It added: “The existing bridge shows signs of wear consistent with marine exposure, including corrosion, fatigued coatings, and deterioration to the deck and associated features. The refurbishment aims to extend the lifespan of the footbridge and enhance user experience while retaining its existing footprint and overall visual character.”
The application comes following the completion of the major repairs including the station’s canopy in March this year. The £5.3m project saw the installation of 1,296 new panels of glass and the repair and strengthening of the steelwork. New lighting, public address systems, and CCTV were also installed.
Nexus comment
Paul Welford, major projects director at Nexus, said: “I’m pleased to confirm we’re almost ready to start our restoration work on the footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro station in January.
“This is a vital project to ensure that this historic structure is restored to its former glory so that it can continue to serve our customers for many years to come.
“It follows on from the hugely successful work that we have carried out to renew the station canopy. Whitley Bay is a station with a great deal of charm. It has proudly served Metro since the network opened in 1980 and it’s a key gateway into the borough of North Tyneside.
“This latest phase of works will allow us to get the station footbridge back in use for customers, dovetailing with wider renewal work at this station. A huge amount of work will be taking place, which includes the strengthening of the structure and the installation of new stairs and handrails.”
