Residents, visitors and families were out recently to help launch the first phase of North Tyneside’s £11m Seafront Sustainable Route.
A section of the seafront between Tynemouth Front Street and the aquarium has been transformed into a safer, more accessible space for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
Sharpness Point in Tynemouth was the venue for a special event celebrating the newly upgraded seafront.
The project, delivered by North Tyneside Council and funded by Active Travel England, the North East Combined Authority, and Sustrans, with Capita building it, aims to encourage active travel along the award-winning coast.
The first section includes 1.7km of resurfaced footpaths and 1.8km of road, a dedicated cycle route, 10 new zebra crossings, and 50 new cycle parking spaces.
A 20mph speed limit is now in place to make travel along the scenic stretch safer and more enjoyable.
The route will eventually span the full five miles of North Tyneside’s coast, from St Mary’s to Tynemouth, with phase two set to begin this autumn.
Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, North Tyneside’s mayor, was joined by partners from Active Travel England, Sustrans, and Capita to officially open the new section.
She said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the completion of the first phase with our community, and to see the new route already being well used. This project improves the seafront experience for all visitors by offering a safe and sustainable route, creating more inviting public spaces, and ensuring continued access for cars and public transport.
“It strengthens links between communities, businesses, and attractions, improves air quality, and promotes a healthier environment. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far, with many saying how much safer and more enjoyable their journeys have become.”
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, added: “This is such an exciting project that will help to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and more enjoyable along our amazing North Tyneside coastline.
“When it’s fully up and running, the new five-mile Seafront Sustainable Route will be transformative for local people – boosting tourism in the area, improving air quality and creating a well-designed space for active travel.”
