Member Article

South Shields’ Ocean Road regeneration works complete

A major improvement scheme to transform a Ocean Road in South Shields is now complete.

Over recent years, South Tyneside Council has been carrying out regeneration works along the street, which is well known for its array of restaurants, guest houses and B&Bs.

A wide range of environmental improvements have been made to the area including better street furniture, the creation of new gateway features and the removal of signage and clutter.

The new road layout has involved the road width being reduced with better positioned parking bays as well as the creation of a new free car park.

Former traffic calming measures have been removed to aid traffic flow and reduce congestion and a new 20mph limit introduced. Footpaths have also been widened on the southern side, high quality paving installed and boulevard-style rows of hornbeam trees have been planted.

The regeneration project has aimed to make the street more pedestrian friendly and inviting for residents and visitors, in turn, helping to draw more seafront visitors to the town centre and to create better links between both areas.

Councillor John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy at South Tyneside Council, said: “Ocean Road is one of the Borough’s most important cultural assets and attracts millions of visitors every year. It also acts as a key link between South Shields Town Centre and our stunning seafront with the changes aimed at helping to provide better connections for visitors and improving trading conditions for businesses.

“We have been watching the new look Ocean Road take shape for many months now and are thrilled to see the work completed. It looks fantastic and is sure to help bring a welcome boost to the area in terms of business and tourism.”

Improvement work has also involved the installation of six new pieces of public art at key junctions along Ocean Road.

These include three large sculptures depicting a girl, boy and Roman soldier directing people to local attractions as well as three clusters of smaller pieces representing the traditional element of a seaside town – fish, ice cream and boats.

The enhancement work has also coincided with a major flood prevention scheme led by Northumbrian Water in the Ocean Road area and nearby North Marine Park.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Area Management at South Tyneside Council, said: “We are delighted with the work to give Ocean Road a fresh new look and feel.

“The spruce up makes the whole street scheme more attractive while the new road layout has helped to create a safer environment with better parking facilities. The flood prevention works have also been essential for a street that faced repeated flooding at times of heavy rainfall.

“We would like to thank local traders for their patience during the scheme. Now the work is complete we look forward to reaping the real long term benefits it will bring to the town.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .