The Framework will need to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate new initiatives that arise over the years, particularly during the later stages of change in Gateshead. Notwithstanding this, it is reasonable to predict further release of land for development on the back of improved demand, for both residential and employment floorspace in particular.

The Business Quarter is expected to continue its expansion, attracting new occupiers who see the success of the early phases and elect to locate there rather than competing sites.

The Chandless Estate is expected to be demolished with new high density residential with a mix of tenures, rather than entirely social or affordable housing. It is expected that this strategy will apply to both west and eastern parts of the estate.

High Street South is liable to remain a tertiary shopping area unless this area is drawn into the main shopping and cultural core. To achieve this, it is proposed that the key public space should be allowed to penetrate southwards, raising the profile, value and opportunity of the area.

It is a particular expectation of the Framework that high density residential accommodation should complement the retail and ancillary uses.

Family townhouses are expected to remain in high demand and it is expected that available sites to both east and west will be released with this product in mind.

The Tyne Bridge, and its daily traffic flows, is likely to remain a constraint on the road network for Gateshead. Whilst it may be difficult to constrain this route early in the Framework process, it remains a key objective.

One possible suggestion is to allow traffic to flow, but impose a local toll to north moving traffic in the morning peak period, with a commensurate constraint on south moving traffic during the evening peak. The aim is to favour traffic seeking to access Gateshead Town Centre and the Business Quarter, whilst encouraging passing traffic to use either another route or, preferably, an alternative means of travel.

Movement Strategy: Stage 4

Stage 4 introduces an exciting ‘showcase’ scheme – a mechanical link between the Quays and the Town Centre. Because the level difference and gradient is such that many potential pedestrians would be put off the trip, a mechanical rail-based system would help to enable the full potential of the Quays to be realised. However, such a system is likely to be bespoke, requiring a powerful system to overcome a range of steep gradients and tight radii, with limited headroom, to make the transition between low and high level, if this is to follow an attractive route via the Heritage area. Such a scheme will attract a high degree of risk, including its financial viability in service, but will potentially have rewards in its contribution to making Gateshead an attractive and coherent destination.

There is also an aspiration to open a new heavy rail station. Whilst it’s contribution to strategic connectivity is questionable, such a facility would increase choice and add further to sub-regional access. Such schemes are often expensive and can be protracted in all phases – so its timing in Phase 4 or beyond is justified.

It is proposed that the extension of the restrictions on Charles Street, instigated in Stage 1, are brought to a conclusion in Stage 4. With or without changes to the road network south of here, it is suggested that the north and south sections of the Town Centre are united by closing Charles Street. A full closure would depend on maintaining bus access to the Interchange via suitable alternative routes. Alternatively, a less radical solution would be to extend the bus, taxi and cycle only access to all times.

Closure of Charles Street will, especially at peak times, put more pressure on the road network north and south of the Town Centre. It is recommended that the closure be supported by a comprehensive network remodelling in the Gateshead Highway/Durham Road area, to provide for some of the capacity lost. However, completion of a ‘ring road’ or high capacity alternative to the Tyne Bridge Link Road should be avoided, to minimise the risk that severance is actually increased with the surrounding areas.