Frequently Asked Questions
What is a masterplan?
A masterplan is a long-term planning document that guides future growth and development. A masterplan includes analysis, recommendations, and proposals for a site’s population, economy, housing, transport, community facilities and land use. It is based on public input, surveys, planning initiatives, existing development, physical characteristics and social and economic conditions.
Why do we need a masterplan for North Shields?
The masterplan provides a framework for regenerating the town centre and the Fish Quay through a series of independent projects to transform the town centre offer. It addresses the key challenges facing the town centre such as changing consumer patterns and visitor expectations.
What are the timescales attached to the masterplan?
The proposals in the masterplan cover the period up until 2035. The timing of development will depend on the availability of funding and developers coming forward with detailed proposals, including how they are going to address any infrastructure requirements. Some sites such as the Transport Hub and Town Square are already breathing new life into the town centre.
How will the regeneration of North Shields town centre and the Fish Quay be funded?
The masterplan document was funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority who understand the importance of North Shields town centre and the Fish Quay to the region’s economy. North Tyneside Council is committed to delivering the projects it contains. The Council will play a vital role in making many of these ideas a reality by bidding for external funding where available. Some of the proposals will depend on private investment and part of the purpose of the masterplan is to attract that investment.
When did public consultation happen?
The draft masterplan went to public consultation in Autumn 2020 and was available to comment on in a variety of ways, including online and at 1-2-1 drop-in sessions. Feedback from the consultation was presented to Cabinet and a final masterplan was refined to consider this feedback. As a listening Council, we actively encourage feedback from our residents and businesses, especially during ongoing projects.
What were the outcomes from the public consultation?
Residents, businesses, partners and other interested parties were asked their views on the draft proposals as part of a public consultation to take into consideration when producing the final masterplan.
Overall feedback from the consultation was broadly positive and supportive of the proposals with a general agreement that North Shields needs some revitalisation to make the area a better place to live, work and visit.
Proposals to improve access between the Fish Quay and town centre, plans to create a transport hub, proposed new housing on the Unicorn House site and improved town centre gateways were all particularly welcomed to ensure the town is well-placed to attract visitors and complement private sector investment.
The majority of businesses in the town were happy to support the plans.
The finalised masterplan explains how we hope to help shape North Shields and make sure it is fit for the future.
Who is doing it?
North Tyneside Council is developing the Ambition for North Shields masterplan in partnership with a number of organisations including North of Tyne Combined Authority, Historic England, Nexus, and Homes England.
Our construction partners are Capita and Willmott Dixon.
Where can I find out more?
- We've created a digital map to illustrate what improvements we have planned as part of the regeneration of North Shields and the Fish Quay.
- For the latest news and updates on regeneration works to North Shields and the Fish Quay, follow us on Facebook.
- Subscribe to our monthly digital newsletter to get receive updates on works, community events and North Shields news straight to your inbox. Email AmbitionNS@northtyneside.gov.uk to subscribe. The latest issue can be found here.
How do I get in touch?
If you have any questions about our plans for North Shields, or the ongoing regeneration works, you can contact us by:
Email: AmbitionNS@northtyneside.gov.uk
Tel: (0191) 643 4830