In the efforts to make Newcastle's city centre a cleaner and healthier space, Newcastle’s City Council is intending on expanding pavements, adding cycle lanes, and creating “pocket parks”.
Most of the parking bays on the street have already been removed last summer, freeing up space for the planned changes.
The fund will only partially cover the cost of the street's redevelopment, which is expected to cost around £4 million in total. Nevertheless, Newcastle City Council has recently been awarded an additional £1.3 million for the Royal Victoria Infirmary changes planned.
A council spokesperson reveals that bollards put in place amid the pandemic will be replaced with plants in the street, all in an attempt to create a “cleaner, healthier, and more people-friendly" environment.
The addition of plants, bike lanes, and expanded pavements are expected to encourage a healthier lifestyle and a more environmentally-conscious city design.
Business owners on or near the street also welcome improvements to the physical appearance of Grey Street. Theatre Royal’s chief executive praises the recent removal of vehicles and parking spaces on the street, saying the area “no longer looks like a car park”.
Civic Centre bosses promise to continue consulting business-owners on Grey Street before finalising the plans and changes.
