Plans to pedestrianise Blackett Street in central Newcastle were shelved by Newcastle City Council in 2022, and whilst computer generated images (CGIs) have been displayed on the hoardings of Pilgrim’s Quarter development for the last few years showing a much improved pedestrianised New Bridge Street West and Pilgrim Street in front of the new HMRC office, the city council are still undecided on the area’s future.
NEPTUG and Newcastle Cycling Campaign have called on the city council to revisit its plans for pedestrianisation and make the busy city streets safer.
Mark Nelson, chair of the Newcastle Cycling Campaign, said: “The new HMRC offices will bring 7000 jobs right into the heart of Newcastle and we hope these workers will be able to travel sustainably to their workplace. We wrote to the city council last month to ask them to commit to delivering the vision on artists impressions that were on the hoardings around the site, which showed the kind of transformational improvement to the public realm that could be delivered at this key location. Pedestrianising Blackett Street, the top of Pilgrim Street and New Bridge Street could greatly improve the safety of the many thousands of workers, shoppers, and visitors exploring this part of the city.”
NEPTUG believes that moving bus stops, widening pavements, and reorganising traffic on a new ‘bus loop’ could bring passengers closer to key destinations like The Gate, Chinatown, the Grainger Market, the Theatre Royal and the City Library. Alistair Ford, chair of the Newcastle branch of NEPTUG, added: “Removing buses from Blackett Street would vastly improve public safety and air quality in this location, as well as allowing the redevelopment of Old Eldon Square into another attractive traffic-free public space. Given the continual disregard for the traffic restrictions on Blackett Street by private vehicles and taxis, this would ensure the safety of pedestrians and allow people to enjoy the space around Grey’s Monument without fear of being run over. We recognise the concerns of bus passengers but believe this is an opportunity to bring together stakeholders in the city, including urban design experts, businesses, disability representatives, cultural organisations, and our own groups to develop a bold vision for the centre of Newcastle.”
NEPTUG and Newcastle Cycling Campaign recently wrote to Newcastle City Council but are yet to receive a response.
Our plea has since been covered by Chronicle Live and North East Bylines. Articles linked below.
Chronicle Live: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/fresh-plea-ban-vehicles-busy-32745282
North East Bylines: https://northeastbylines.co.uk/news/transport/pedestrianising-blackett-street-in-newcastle/
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