West Jesmond Metro Station
History
The station was opened on 1 December 1900 by the North Eastern Railway. The station platforms are on opposite sides of the line and are linked by an underground pedestrian subway. Platforms originally had glass awnings to shelter passengers, but these were removed in the 1970s. The remnants of these awnings can still be seen attached to the station buildings.
The station closed for conversion in August 1978, ahead of opening as part of the Tyne and Wear Metro network, re-opening in August 1980. The original station buildings were retained, but the platforms were shortened, with a new accessible footbridge built over the line.
Facilities
Step-free access is available at all stations across the Tyne and Wear Metro network, with level access to platform 1, and ramped access to platform 2. Between platforms, there is a ramped footbridge. The station is equipped with ticket machines, waiting shelter, seating, next train information displays, timetable posters, and an emergency help point on both platforms. Ticket machines are able to accept payment with credit and debit card (including contactless payment), notes and coins. The station is also fitted with smartcard validators, which feature at all stations across the network.
There is no dedicated car parking available at this station. There is the provision for cycle parking, with five cycle pods available for use for up to 10 bicycles.
Services
As of April 2021, the station is served by up to ten trains per hour on weekdays and Saturday, and up to eight trains per hour during the evening and on Sunday. Additional services operate between Pelaw and Benton, Monkseaton, Regent Centre or South Gosforth at peak times.
Rolling stock used: Class 599 Metrocar
Notable landmarks
The former Jesmond Picture House stood adjacent to the station, and was clearly visible from passing trains. This suburban cinema opened in 1921 and survived well into the multiplex age. Made in America was the last film to be screened there, when it finally closed its doors in October 1993. The cinema was demolished in 2009 to make way for a new office and shopping complex, after standing derelict for nearly 16 years. Plans were approved by the local council in 2008. The new building, named The Jesmond, finally opened in March 2016.
References
- ^ "Tyne & Wear Metro usage figures". 2017–2018. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
- ^ "Blyth & Tyne Railway". Northumbrian Railways. Archived from the original on 11 March 2008. Retrieved 26 April 2008.
- ^ "Metro passengers feel the benefit of contactless payment". Nexus. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "Revamp for Metro ticket machines". BBC News. 11 December 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "City Metro stations get new smart ticket machines and gates". Nexus. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "Pop card validators at Metro stations are put through their paces". Nexus. 21 March 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "Timetables and stations: West Jesmond". Nexus. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "Timetables and stations: West Jesmond". Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ Manders, Frank (2005). Cinemas of Newcastle. Tyne Bridge Publishing. p. 120. ISBN 1-85795-152-2.
- ^ "Final look at Jesmond Picture House before demolition". The Journal. 8 August 2009. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ Ford, Coreena (25 February 2016). "Jesmond Picture House: Video reveals how new life has been breathed into forgotten building". ChronicleLive. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
External links
Media related to West Jesmond Metro station at Wikimedia Commons
- Timetable and station information for West Jesmond