Tyne & Wear Metro .. Most Run-down Station

[Willie Bee]

Which station on the Tyne & Wear Metro system seems the most run-down.

My vote goes to Northumberland Park, which is actually one of the newest stations on the network.

Look at a few pictures I took today

AND .. I think the multi-story car park is still not fully operational again

 

[signed]

Missing panels on new stations isn’t what I really would call rundown

 

[DH1Commuter]

Hard to say, as many stations were built VERY basic AND in deprived areas so the extremely basic nature of them is built in; my initial response was going to be Felling, but it is meant to be how it is….

 

[HugePilchard]

I've recently returned to commuting by public transport now that the Northumberland Line is fully open, and use Northumberland Park to change to the metro; it really is looking in a sad state.

Part of the departure board on the platform for coast-bound trains is missing, and has been for a few months at least. The black railings in your photos with the bins and the station name on them are rusted, I spotted one that was almost half rusted through, and the bins aren't looking great either. The lift - and I know that lifts in unstaffed stations are often not the best - is awful. I don't know if the smell is actually urine or if it's just something that smells like urine, but it's terrible in there especially on a warm day.

Given that it's an interchange station, you'd have thought some effort would have been made to at least spruce it up a little prior to the opening of the adjoining Northumberland Line station.

 

[Megafuss]

I'd say Monument or Gateshead to be honest - bith going for the urine coloured wall effect

Gateshead, probably nicks it

 

[Segedunum]

While not the most rundown station, Haymarket's chronically faulty escalators (complete with juddering and screeching) and the smashed departure screen on Platform 1 (which has been like that as long as I can remember) don't give a fantastic impression.

 

[danielnez1]

While not the most rundown station, Haymarket's chronically faulty escalators (complete with juddering and screeching) and the smashed departure screen on Platform 1 (which has been like that as long as I can remember) don't give a fantastic impression.

I'd also add that when the opened up the tunnel bore of the platforms during the refurb of Haymarket has resulted in the platforms having a break feet to them (IMHO). The concourse is quite dark and dingy too, especially compared to the old one.

 

[bramling]

Which station on the Tyne & Wear Metro system seems the most run-down.

My vote goes to Northumberland Park, which is actually one of the newest stations on the network.

Look at a few pictures I took today

AND .. I think the multi-story car park is still not fully operational again

Interesting question, as the system is really much of a muchness.

I’d probably go with Byker, Regent Centre or perhaps Jarrow. But really there isn’t much in it.

One could argue that Monument feels extremely dated now, however I wouldn’t say it’s in any worse condition than anywhere else, just that the decor screams 1980s.

 

[Segedunum]

One could argue that Monument feels extremely dated now, however I wouldn’t say it’s in any worse condition than anywhere else, just that the decor screams 1980s.

The staff area and station voids at Monument were IMO some of most dated five years ago - a true step back in time. Though AIUI the staff areas have now been given a bit of a rework.

Regent Centre is of course in the process of getting done up and already has a new gateline. The most outdated gated stations I'd now say are Byker and Chichester.

 

[bramling]

The staff area and station voids at Monument were IMO some of most dated five years ago - a true step back in time. Though AIUI the staff areas have now been given a bit of a rework.

Regent Centre is of course in the process of getting done up and already has a new gateline. The most outdated gated stations I'd now say are Byker and Chichester.

Refurbishing the 1980s stations is a bit of a double-edge sword, as one could argue that they are an architectural and style time-capsule. Also, you can end up with what happened on Merseyrail where they arguably look and feel worse now than before their facelift, for various reasons.

I’d say it’s more of a priority to keep finishes from that era clean and well maintained. What looks awful is broken fixtures, ingrained dirt and graffiti everywhere. To be fair, Nexus aren’t actually that bad at keeping their stations in an okay state.

 

[jh64]

Four Lane Ends as a whole is in need of attention, not just the Metro platforms. There's the empty retail units, the broken toilets which haven't been fixed for years, the thing in the car park stairwell that's been continuously beeping for years on end, the hall with the ticket machines that gets dangerously slippery to walk on in winter or wet weather, the doors to the bus stops that keep breaking, and the piles of pigeon crap everywhere.

Given the magic crayons, I would;

• Put in a new glass roof over the Metro platforms and the concourse above to let in much more natural light.
• Knock out the disused travel office/retail unit and the short wall jutting out next to it so you can have a more open entrance down to the Metro. Refresh or re-arrange the existing retail units to suit the new layout.
• Buy up the disused social club round the back and pull it down, building more car parking space with EV charging, and a new way in and up to concourse level from the existing car park entrance. If we're feeling extravagant, make it a multi-storey as well!

 

[Paul_10]

I think Pelaw looks one of the worst personally despite the station being refurbished only 20 years ago. You got the glass for the shelter all etched, film peeling off, a very grubby looking floor and the automatic doors removed as they were unreliable mostly due to vandalism I would suspect.

It's ashame when the Metro all change programme occured more outdoor stations did not receive the upgrades like Howdon and Meadow well did. We still got plenty of stations with stations still looking like it was back in the day but just with a lick of paint.

 

[Big M]

I'd say Monument or Gateshead to be honest - bith going for the urine coloured wall effect

Gateshead, probably nicks it

My first thought was Haymarket, again for the reasons given. Escalator repairs, loss of Nexus shop, Lloyds bank gone. Gateshead is pretty poor with its vast and empty halls. But there is also a case for the Airport especially at night. Spooky and deserted with a long walkway to the depressing platform. No wonder so few people use it. What a terrible first impression for visitors.

 

[inais20]

I'd also add that when the opened up the tunnel bore of the platforms during the refurb of Haymarket has resulted in the platforms having a break feet to them (IMHO). The concourse is quite dark and dingy too, especially compared to the old one.

The other problem with how the complete platform tunnel was opened up at Haymarket was that it made keeping those white panels clean really difficult. The platform tunnel ceiling, especially around the OHLE is really grubby looking these days.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Jul 2026 ==

Refurbishing the 1980s stations is a bit of a double-edge sword, as one could argue that they are an architectural and style time-capsule.

It’s definitely possible to keep those 70s/80s era stations looking good - Jesmond for instance is still a perfectly pleasant station.

 

[Megafuss]

My first thought was Haymarket, again for the reasons given. Escalator repairs, loss of Nexus shop, Lloyds bank gone. Gateshead is pretty poor with its vast and empty halls. But there is also a case for the Airport especially at night. Spooky and deserted with a long walkway to the depressing platform. No wonder so few people use it. What a terrible first impression for visitors.

At Airport, during Covid there were times you could only access the station by the side entrance, which had the steepest ramp i've ever seen. Good luck if you were in a wheelchair!

 

[Big M]

At Airport, during Covid there were times you could only access the station by the side entrance, which had the steepest ramp i've ever seen. Good luck if you were in a wheelchair!

It’s a cheap and nasty job. If you look at other airports around the world, it does no credit to the city at all. We certainly got the runt of the litter!

 

[Tetchytyke]

There isn't a missing panel on photos NP3 and NP4. It is designed like that.

Northumberland Park used to be my local station. It is in a lot better nick than it was ten years ago, where the original cladding around the station building and lift shaft had rusted away.

The problem with Northumberland Park is that it is actually quite isolated and it is hidden away in the cutting and beneath the road bridge. This makes it attractive to the local yobbos to hang around in: it is dry and protected from the wind, and it is hidden from sight. The panels around the benches/shelter are kicked out faster than Nexus can repair them. At least the yobbos are now prevented from lobbing eggs at people from the top of the car park.

 

[Willie Bee]

There isn't a missing panel on photos NP3 and NP4. It is designed like that.

Thanks for that .. I wasn't actually 100% sure.

I don't think I have seen any other similar ones to these on any Metro station

 

[Egg Centric]

Interesting question, as the system is really much of a muchness.

I’d probably go with Byker, Regent Centre or perhaps Jarrow. But really there isn’t much in it.

One could argue that Monument feels extremely dated now, however I wouldn’t say it’s in any worse condition than anywhere else, just that the decor screams 1980s.

Just what I was thinking - it's almost like choosing your favourite Spice Girl or Beatle - they're pretty much all a valid choice apart from Mel C and Ringo.

I think there is good reason for optimism though now the new units are (mostly...) bedded in. Stations are obvious next choice and Kim McGuinness seems to have the bit between her teeth...

 

[Tetchytyke]

Jesmond for instance is still a perfectly pleasant station.

...apart from all the damage from the various water leaks around the stairwells, particularly the smaller stairwells at the city end of the station.

Stations are obvious next choice and Kim McGuinness seems to have the bit between her teeth...

I just hope they manage the project better than last time. They did Haymarket and Central Station, completely failed to control their costs, and then ran out of money. North Shields was a bit of a half-hearted job and, other than the new station at South Shields, there's been nothing since.

I don't think Monument is in bad nick tbh. Its decor is 1980s on steroids but it's still in relatively good condition. Certainly compared to the likes of Jesmond, West Jesmond, and Byker.

The suburban stations are the worst but, unless they get staffed, that will always be the case. Better than it used to be though, as this Alamy photo from Smith's Park station (now Meadow Well) from 1990 shows: https://www.alamy.com/graffiti-at-s...es-the-meadow-well-estate-image466368189.html

 

[jkkne]

My first thought was Haymarket, again for the reasons given. Escalator repairs, loss of Nexus shop, Lloyds bank gone. Gateshead is pretty poor with its vast and empty halls. But there is also a case for the Airport especially at night. Spooky and deserted with a long walkway to the depressing platform. No wonder so few people use it. What a terrible first impression for visitors.

Arguably haymarket has more life than any other station (aside central)

Hairdresser, independent food restaurant, a Halifax, estate agent and a Caledonian travel shop, occupied offices aboveand it’s almost constantly staffed

Why would it need a nexus shop?

Sunderland is the worst for me..or Manors but metro is an 80s time capsule and I find it kinda charming, plus these days I’m rarely on a platform longer than 5 minutes before I’m away.

 

[MetroTyler]

...apart from all the damage from the various water leaks around the stairwells, particularly the smaller stairwells at the city end of the station.


I just hope they manage the project better than last time. They did Haymarket and Central Station, completely failed to control their costs, and then ran out of money. North Shields was a bit of a half-hearted job and, other than the new station at South Shields, there's been nothing since.

I don't think Monument is in bad nick tbh. Its decor is 1980s on steroids but it's still in relatively good condition. Certainly compared to the likes of Jesmond, West Jesmond, and Byker.

The suburban stations are the worst but, unless they get staffed, that will always be the case. Better than it used to be though, as this Alamy photo from Smith's Park station (now Meadow Well) from 1990 shows: https://www.alamy.com/graffiti-at-s...es-the-meadow-well-estate-image466368189.html

Monument isn't in bad nick no but it falls flat to use as a visitor anyways. The staffing there often isn't great and there are several gaps in the day where the ticket gates are not staffed.

The station, albeit fine physically, looks incredibly outdated, dark, yellowed and dirtied up. This is not a good impression for one of the most visited stations on the network.

From my experience with having friends over and confused tourists walking up to me or getting lost - the wayfinding is badly marked and configured and appears largely outdated. Nexus could look at using the line colours as a helping depiction or even using an isometric layout to help people understand the 4 platforms across 2 layers and the yellow line overlap. A revamped wayfinding system would allow the flow of Monument to work better and for less poor confused souls to roam around asking for help. I find the tube is quite good with their comparable circle line when it comes to wayfinding stations.

The shops and facilities in Monument are good but, aside from the mini Metro museum exhibit they have, it's a shame to see those facilities largely unsupported for years by Nexus compared to a time they had the ticket offices in operation.

 

[Tetchytyke]

From my experience with having friends over and confused tourists walking up to me or getting lost - the wayfinding is badly marked and configured and appears largely outdated.

The wayfinding signs are clear enough: "coast via Wallsend" and "coast via South Gosforth." From the entrance hall its one escalator for one set of platforms and one escalator for the other, and at platform level there's a staircase between the two.

Someone who can't follow those signs probably shouldn't be out unsupervised on a public transport network.

The only issue I have with Monument (and it's not restricted to Monument, Central Station is just as bad) is how much of a pain in the backside the step-free access is. It's one lift from street level to the entrance hall and then another one to platform level. One lift serving both sets of platforms really isn't sufficient anymore either, but changing that will cost mega money.

 

[Big M]

Arguably haymarket has more life than any other station (aside central)

Hairdresser, independent food restaurant, a Halifax, estate agent and a Caledonian travel shop, occupied offices aboveand it’s almost constantly staffed

Why would it need a nexus shop?

Sunderland is the worst for me..or Manors but metro is an 80s time capsule and I find it kinda charming, plus these days I’m rarely on a platform longer than 5 minutes before I’m away.

I liked the Nexus shop. I regularly used the Nexus shops at Haymarket and Central Stations. There is something comforting about stations with enquiry and ticket offices and where you can interact with human beings They bring the station to life. Far better to enjoy them than be one of those poor soulless people whose lives revolve around chip and pin, google searches and online passwords.

 

[Ozz]

On my travels around the metro yesterday, Byker could do with some tlc.

View attachment IMG_3048.jpeg

 

[Big M]

On my travels around the metro yesterday, Byker could do with some tlc.

View attachment 209089

Surely there are companies and organisations that would welcome the opportunity to advertise at these stations if the price was right, quality advertising hoardings were in place, and the Metro employed good marketing people. That would brighten up stations like Byker. It works on the London Underground.

 

[Ferris boy]

They played classical music at Regent Centre for years to keep the yobbos/ vandalism away - have they tried it at any other stations ?

 

[jkkne]

I liked the Nexus shop. I regularly used the Nexus shops at Haymarket and Central Stations. There is something comforting about stations with enquiry and ticket offices and where you can interact with human beings They bring the station to life. Far better to enjoy them than be one of those poor soulless people whose lives revolve around chip and pin, google searches and online passwords.

Yes but nobody else used them, they were a colossal waste of money and something people actually want (a Caledonian travel shop) is now there. Haymarket is staffed if you want interaction.

 

[Big M]

Yes but nobody else used them, they were a colossal waste of money and something people actually want (a Caledonian travel shop) is now there. Haymarket is staffed if you want interaction.

There was always a queue at the Haymarket shop and at both some very customer friendly assistants delivering the kind of helpful service that right minded people could appreciate.

 

[tekkastuff]

My local station is Four Lane Ends and it's in appalling nick. The entire place, from bus station to the platforms, is quite poorly designed in that there are pigeons roosting everywhere and therefore bird poo everywhere. Furthermore, the empty units, eternally broken toilets, and dark tinted windows don't make it especially welcoming either. It's dingy and never particularly clean despite there often being a cleaner present in the station. The place also has a very eerie character when quiet thanks to the large spaces, archaic decor, and the ominous broken "art exhibit". Just a catastrophe all round apart from the barber, who is great.