Improve safety near Gateshead Stadium Metro Station through regeneration

This petition calls on Gateshead Council to take real action to improve safety near Gateshead Stadium Metro Station by addressing long-standing problems linked to the high-rise flats nearby.

For many residents, commuters, plus visitors, this area feels uncomfortable to walk through. Public drug use is frequently visible. People leaving the Metro are often approached or harassed for money. Verbal confrontations regularly take place between those inside the flats plus people outside, sometimes echoing across the platform itself. This station is a front door to Gateshead. It should feel welcoming. It should feel safe. Right now, it does not.

We are asking the council to consider the removal of the existing high-rise flats, followed by redevelopment that puts people first. A family-friendly park, open green space, or investment from a supermarket plus local businesses would transform the area. This would create jobs, increase footfall, raise confidence, plus give people a reason to stay rather than rush through. This is about setting higher standards for our borough. This is about pride in place. This is about doing right by the people who live here.

Background information

The area around Gateshead Stadium Metro Station has experienced persistent antisocial behaviour over a long period of time. The physical layout of the high-rise flats, including garages, poorly lit walkways, plus enclosed spaces, creates environments where behaviour goes unchecked.

People regularly witness:

• drug use near the Metro station
• passengers being approached or pressured for money
• groups gathering in garages or shadowed areas, particularly at night
• shouting matches between residents plus people outside, often audible from the street or platform
• a constant feeling of unease when passing through the area

These issues affect residents, commuters, plus the wider reputation of Gateshead. When an area feels neglected, it sends a message. Investment slows. Community pride takes a hit. Across the UK, similar developments have been replaced with open, well-designed spaces that promote safety, wellbeing, plus opportunity. The results speak for themselves. This petition asks the council to show leadership, ambition, plus belief in the future of this part of Gateshead. With the right vision, this space could become somewhere people feel safe to walk through, safe to linger, plus proud to call their own.

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Principal petitioner

Mike Collins

Closing date

22 March 2026

Signatures

1 _{(Online: 1 | Paper: 0)}

^{[Last update: 23 March 2026, 11.30am]}