Items from the old South Shields Tyne and Wear Metro station – which was replaced by an all new interchange in August – have been donated to the South Shields Museum and Art Gallery. The “iconic” items include signage and one of the famous yellow Metro station cubes will go on display at the museum with a special exhibition of public transport in the area set to follow in 2021.
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “We were determined that some of the most iconic features of the old South Shields Metro station were retained for heritage purposes. This station has been part of everyday life in South Shields town centre over so many years. Many people will have fond memories of making journeys from there, so it was only right that some of that history was kept for future generations. That familiar Metro station signage in the classic Calvert font and the iconic yellow station cube have both been passed over to South Shields Museum to keep hold of now that the demolition work has got underway.”
Adam Bell, assistant keeper of history at the museum, added: “The museum collection reflects the key moments in time from the South Tyneside borough and its people. We’re very excited about these new acquisitions, to receive such iconic memorabilia. The museum is planning a major exhibition charting the history behind public transport in South Tyneside for 2021. These items will make a great addition, not only to the Museum’s permanent collection, but also to the content of that special exhibition.”
The station closed permanently on 8th July with a new interchange being constructed to replace it. The old station is due to be demolished this autumn with a new walkway and public realm being created in its place.