00:00A significant expansion of the Cullet and Parkway Parking Ride facility here in Newcastle has been approved, with plans in place to boost capacity and enhance sustainable travel options.
00:12The Tyne and Wiametro site, which currently has 192 parking bays, will grow by 152 spaces, bringing the total to 349.
00:22The development also includes 36 electrical vehicle charging points, improved cycle storage facilities and a new bus loop.
00:29The £3.6 million project is expected to be funded through the North East Combined Authority's City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement pending final business case approval.
00:41Helen Matthews, Commercial Director at Nexus, welcomed the decision, stating,
00:46Our plans will increase parking capacity, add EV charging points and improve cycling facilities.
00:53Park and ride sites like Calliton play a vital role in cutting congestion and improving air quality by enabling people to travel into the city centres sustainably.
01:03The expansion will extend the existing car park onto an adjacent field along Calliton Lane.
01:09Although the land is surrounded by the Tyne and Wiametro Greenbelt, it's not officially part of it.
01:15Some local opposition was voiced by the Walsington Parish Council and the Walsington Residents Association,
01:23who raised concerns about the loss of rain space and questioned the need for additional capacity.
01:28Despite this, Newcastle City Council's Planning Committee gave the green light, citing the site as one of the best performing park and ride facilities in Tyne and Wiametro.
01:38Construction is expected to start once the final funded details are confirmed.
