Paul ツ

Paul ツ

@lf-p.bsky.social

Interested in Architecture, Cities, Public Realm & Urban Transport. Specialist in none of the above. | All views are my own. Newcastle Gateshead, UK. https://www.instagram.com/lf_p30/profilecard/?igsh=MTFtOXlqcGs4bmlhMA==

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Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Let’s see how our (UNOFFICIAL) combined Metro & Rail map would look with some possible* future extensions. We’ve added: - Metro Washington Loop - Leamside Line - Northumberland Line extension - Bensham Curve - Aforementioned infill stations at Gateshead Quays, Murton, Belford & Killingworth. (1/2)

Paul ツ reposted

Gareth Dennis
@garethdennis.uk

That a metro system would be built in a northern UK city involving underground tunnels and stations is supposedly an impossible, unrealistic idea from an unserious mind. Meanwhile, Newcastle with 13km of bored tunnels and 9 underground stations built 13 years after first plans:

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Ever complained about the bus or said it’s too unreliable so you use your car? Well, speak now or forever hold your peace! 5 mins of your time will help the North East get better buses. Support bus franchising. The consultation closes at 9am tomorrow: www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/consultation...

Paul ツ@lf-p.bsky.social

We deserve better buses in the North East! Currently there’s a vast range of complicated operator-specific tickets, an array of confusing route names & colours, and MANY duplicated route numbers! (There’s four DIFFERENT number 10s in Newcastle city centre for God’s sake!)

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

We deserve better buses in the North East! Currently there’s a vast range of complicated operator-specific tickets, an array of confusing route names & colours, and MANY duplicated route numbers! (There’s four DIFFERENT number 10s in Newcastle city centre for God’s sake!)

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Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

We deserve better buses in the North East! Currently there’s a vast range of complicated operator-specific tickets, an array of confusing route names & colours, and MANY duplicated route numbers! (There’s four DIFFERENT number 10s in Newcastle city centre for God’s sake!)

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

With public control, through bus franchising, our buses could once again be fully integrated with Metro, rail & ferry, be uniformed, more reliable and generally so much simpler to use, making them a more attractive option, which could help to reduce congestion.

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

*Sigh*. Newcastle’s Central Station was once promised a new southern entrance (see left pic) to open up access to a redeveloped Stephenson’s Quarter. After years of waiting we ended up with a small hole punched through a wall as a cheaper western entrance instead (right pic).

Reader@readermagazine.bsky.social

The first phase of York Central, one of the UK's largest regeneration schemes, has been granted planning approval, paving the way for over 1,000 new homes, a hotel, a new station entrance and thousands of jobs.

readermagazine.co.ukPlanning approved for £2bn York Central regeneration scheme’s first phaseThe first phase of York Central, one of the UK's largest regeneration schemes, has been granted planning approval, paving the way for over 1,000 new homes, a hotel, a new station entrance and thousands of jobs.
Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Yes! Absolutely have to #KeepItCalvert!

North East PTUG@northeastptug.bsky.social

We agree, @garethdennis.uk, we hope the “Angel Network” is simply an overall name and that it does NOT replace our iconic Calvert identity, i.e. Metro’s typeface & M logo, AND associated Buses & Ferry logos designed to give a cohesive look across all modes! @railnatter.uk: youtu.be/ePNvcXJ6Na8?...

youtu.beWhat's Happening To The Tyne & Wear Metro? | #NEWSYouTube video by Gareth Dennis
Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

APPROVED. ✅ Redevelopment of the Hadrian House site. 📍Higham Place/Durant Road, Newcastle. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Paul ツ@lf-p.bsky.social

Proposal to demolish Hadrian House and construct a high-quality building to accommodate purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), improving site permeability and attractiveness through redesigned pedestrian routes, new public realm and active frontages: dpp1.co.uk/hadrianhouse/

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Disappointing Jesmond bus depot with its Doric facade is now proposed to become a surface car park, rather than the mixed use development previously reported featuring residential, commercial and community spaces.

Paul ツ@lf-p.bsky.social

“Plans to repurpose the former Jesmond bus depot into a mixed-use development are being revealed in a public consultation”: bdaily.co.uk/articles/202...

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Hadn’t realised part of it’s already operating as a car park & this is retrospective planning permission. Good it’s only temp. Let’s hope it’s redeveloped soon & not left to rot for years. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e... Will cheap parking *really* reduce congestion, or encourage car use? 🤔

chroniclelive.co.ukPlans to turn Newcastle bus depot into car park to help ease traffic congestionNewcastle City Council has been asked to allow the former Arriva bus depot in Jesmond to be used as a public car park until summer 2027
Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

I see the land by the approach to Chillingham Road Station has recently been cleared of vegetation again. I wonder if it’s simply maintenance or whether plans are on the horizon. Around 3 years ago plans were submitted for 22x two-bed apartments there, but were later withdrawn.

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

No recommendation of using Heworth Interchange, the large Park & Ride facility sat on the Felling Bypass, served by Metro, rail and bus? 🙄

ChronicleLive - The Chronicle@chroniclelive.co.uk

The busy Park Lane roundabout, which links the Felling Bypass to the Tyne Bridge, will be closed for 26 days starting this Saturday night to allow for the next phase of the Gateshead Flyover demolition

chroniclelive.co.ukGateshead Flyover gridlock fears as busy roundabout to shut for 26 daysGateshead Flyover gridlock fears as busy roundabout to shut for 26 days
Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

The Catalyst, home to the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, and the National Innovation Centre for Data. 📍 Science Square, Newcastle Helix.

Paul ツ reposted

Kai
@greenkai.bsky.social

Making the the East Coast Main Line have 4 tracks to Morpeth or even Alnwick would be a great option instead. It would allow more local stopping services, new stations and reduce the number of cars traveling up the A1 making it safer. The mayor should lobby for this over polluting road schemes.

North East PTUG@northeastptug.bsky.social

We are concerned that many Northumberland politicians are creating the impression that dualling alone can solve safety issues on the A1 and save the Northumberland economy. Investment in speed cameras and improved public transport could achieve the same aims. northeastbylines.co.uk/news/transpo...

northeastbylines.co.ukTransport group claim A1 dualling campaign ‘could cost more lives’ and call for average speed cameras“We are concerned that many Northumberland politicians are creating the impression that dualling alone can solve safety issues on the A1 and save the Northumberland economy"
Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

So many delicious options, you have to walk back and forth across the bridge before deciding what to buy. 📍Jesmond Food Market, Armstrong Bridge, #Newcastle.

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Interesting afternoon at a North East Rail Vision Workshop at The Common Room, advocating for a visually cohesive, integrated, multi modal public transport network, with integrated ticketing, information, mapping & wayfinding, first & last mile provision, level boarding and more!

Paul ツ@lf-p.bsky.social

Let’s see how our (UNOFFICIAL) combined Metro & Rail map would look with some possible* future extensions. We’ve added: - Metro Washington Loop - Leamside Line - Northumberland Line extension - Bensham Curve - Aforementioned infill stations at Gateshead Quays, Murton, Belford & Killingworth. (1/2)

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Northumberland politicians firmly at stage 1 re the A1, despite having seen how popular and successful the Northumberland Line is.

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

CGIs released of the Regent Centre Interchange refurbishment, ahead of works beginning later this month. I hope they’re haven’t forgotten to include some Calvert ‘B’ for Buses logos! 🤔 It is a bus and Metro interchange after all. nexus.org.uk/news-media-h...

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

🎂 Happy 150th Birthday to our Swing Bridge. Best admired from afar. 🫣

Paul ツ@lf-p.bsky.social

The Swing Bridge has costly mechanical issues, but can’t the graffiti be kept at bay in the meantime? It celebrates its 150th anniversary in June. A Newcastle city guide has said, “it is a source of embarrassment when I lead my domestic & foreign guests down to the Quayside”.

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

It’s disappointing junctions are still being altered, (WIDENED in this case), without side streets being treated to continuous pavements or ‘side zebras’ to reinforce pedestrian priority - ESPECIALLY on busy pedestrian thoroughfares like Percy Street. (Plan shows Percy St/Leazes Pk Rd alterations).

Paul ツ@lf-p.bsky.social

Pilgrim St is certainly looking a lot better following the improvements, though I’d have loved Dutch Entrance Kerbs (continuous pavements) across the side streets, or at least Side Zebras to make it clearer drivers must give way to pedestrians & cyclists when turning in to/out of side streets. 🚶🏻

Paul ツ reposted

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Replying to @lf-p.bsky.social

Askew Road (east), former 4 lane congested traffic sewer. Let’s hope the progress in Gateshead over the last few years isn’t reversed, to the detriment of local residents, businesses & potential development. 🤞 📸 1st three photos from GMBC: www.instagram.com/p/DYuXND5CJy...

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Of course the spare land at Heworth Interchange, (busy transport hub served by Metro, National Rail, and local buses), is destined for a DRIVE THRU coffee shop, instead of transit-oriented development (TOD). 🤦🏻‍♂️ What housing shortage? My previous thoughts on Heworth: x.com/lf_p/status/...

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

Hopefully they realise prime land in the urban core of Gateshead has been vacant for years as no one wants to develop/live in/work in/visit areas strangled by sprawling carriageways & vast junctions. Let’s pray “free up access” doesn’t undo the good progress made in recent years!

Revchips@revchips.bsky.social

This is what happens when you stand in a hall of mirrors too long at a fairground. BBC News - Reform selects Nick Allan as Gateshead council leader - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.ukReform selects Nick Allan as Gateshead council leaderReform UK is now the leading power in Gateshead after more than five decades of Labour rule.

Paul ツ reposted

London Reconnections
@lonrec.bsky.social

Time is a flat circle! In our latest long read, we explore how the Tyne & Wear Metro’s map & wayfinding became such a mess. #TyneAndWearMetro #Newcastle

londonreconnections.comTime is a flat circle: Tyne & Wear Metro’s map & wayfinding messThe Tyne and Wear Metro has recently been introducing brand new trains, had approved an extension to Leamside and Washington, along side new interchange options with the recently opened heavy rail Northumberland Line – which we had recently looked at. These are all great upgrades to the local rail networks, as
Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

…And sure, a River Taxi would be cool, but if we’re being super ambitious let’s aim for a River Bus, ie a Tyne Ferry, complimenting the Shields Ferry. Here one I made earlier. 😄

Paul ツ
@lf-p.bsky.social

A £128 million vision to regenerate an “inaccessible and bleak” corner of Newcastle with new homes, shops, a multi-storey car park, and an urban park on a disused railway yard near Central Station has been submitted to city officials. 📍North of Pottery Lane, Forth Goods Yard, Newcastle.