Major Works Begin to Reopen Landmark Whitley Bay Station Footbridge

Major restoration work is now under way on the historic footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro station, marking the next stage of a wider programme to safeguard one of North Tyneside’s best-known transport landmarks.

The project forms part of the Metro Asset Renewal Programme and sits within a multi-million-pound investment at the Grade II listed station. Earlier phases of the scheme saw the station canopy fully restored during 2025, and the current works are intended to return the long-closed footbridge to use by customers. Completion is scheduled for May 2026.

Engineers are carrying out extensive repairs to the structure, including strengthening the steelwork and installing new decking, stairs and handrails. Once the construction work is complete, the bridge will also be fully repainted. Despite the scale of the operation, the station will continue to operate throughout, serving around 1.2 million customer journeys each year as a key gateway into North Tyneside.

Whitley Bay station was granted listed status in 1986, six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro network first opened. The current phase of work is being delivered by Gateshead-based G&B Civil Engineering on behalf of Nexus, the public body that owns and operates Metro.

Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said:

“I’m pleased to confirm that we have started our restoration work on the footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro station. 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 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.”

Local leaders have also welcomed the investment, highlighting the importance of the bridge to the town’s identity and day-to-day life.

Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture and Economic Development, said:

"The footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro station is part of the town’s character and a busy route that is well used by residents and visitors. Restoring it will make sure it remains safe and reliable, while protecting a piece of our heritage. It’s great to see this investment from Nexus going ahead as this is an improvement that matters to residents and helps to create places to be proud of in our borough."

Image: Nexus