Gosforth High Street: Latest on design plans almost five years after bollards row began

Council bosses say that they are still working on a future vision for Gosforth High Street.

The busy street has been the subject of a lengthy debate since 2020, when Newcastle City Council first installed a controversial row of bollards intended to create extra space for cyclists and pedestrians.

They were later removed, having been branded ugly and confusing by some critics, and replaced by a bus lane in March 2023.

Despite being made permanent last September, the current layout has been criticised too – with opponents alleging that it had made the area more dangerous and done little to improve the vibrancy of the high street.

When the retention of the bus lane was confirmed, local transport chiefs said it was simply the “first phase” of the street’s redevelopment – but there has been no news since on what is still to come.

Fawdon and West Gosforth councillor Peter Lovatt complained last week that, instead of Gosforth High Street being a “destination”, it had become a “through route for the buses” despite multiple public consultations to gather locals’ views on what should be done.

Speaking at a meeting of the council’s economy, jobs, and skills scrutiny committee, the Liberal Democrat said that residents had previously been positive about the prospect of change on the high street but  “nothing seems to have progressed”.

He added: “What is the point in having a consultation and then doing nothing about it? It is very defeatist.”

The Labour-run council has now told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it hopes to publish its next plans in a matter of weeks.

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A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “As we set out, we’re taking a phased approach to Gosforth High Street. This is part of our commitment to improve road safety, create better transport links and encourage active travel around the Gosforth High Street area.

“The first phase focused on improving bus priority measures, with the bus lane being made permanent, following consultation, to improve bus reliability on one of the busiest routes for buses in the city.

“Further options for the High Street are still being explored, including active travel options, to build on the conversations we have had with residents and businesses through previous engagement, as well as meet the city’s ambitions to be a more sustainable city, with improved public transport. These plans are being finalised, which we will share with local people in the coming weeks, to help shape this next phase of improvements.”