| Metrocenter
Written by Robert Clarke - 22 May 2005 |
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The Metrocentre is well signposted off the A1, and also surrounding local roads as well.
The Metrocentre has 4 coloured quadrants (Green, red, Blue, and Yellow). These are all fully covered multi storeys, and are covered by CCTV. The nearest one to the rail station is the Blue car park. However, if this is full, the other car parks can be used. From the other three car parks, proceed into the centre, and follow the signs for the railway station. Give yourself 15 minutes from the Yellow and Red car parks, 10 minutes from the Green car park, and 5-7 from the Blue car park.
Incidentally, if you can't be bothered walking, a shuttle bus service runs around the Metrocentre site, with a flat 30p fare. Details are available on the
Metrocentre website.
Train services run every 15 minutes from Newcastle Central, with some workings extending to Hexham, Carlisle, and South West Scotland (Operated by First Scotrail).
Stagecoach Newcastle service 100 operates from Blackett Street, and Central Station, to the Metrocentre, every 6 minutes. Go North East service X66 operates from Gateshead Interchange, every 6-8 minutes as well. Go North east also operates other services to the Metrocentre. See the official
Metrocentre website for details.
For other timetable info, visit the websites for:
Stagecoach in Newcastle,
Go North east,
Northern Rail,
First Scotrail.
IMPORTANT: Tyne and wear travel tickets, such as the day rover, and Network travel tickets, providing the latter covers the Metrocentre zone, ARE valid on First Scotrail trains between the Metrocentre and Newcastle Central.
To reach the rail station from the bus station, proceed up the escalators, and turn right, and then head along until you reach the station. Stairs and ramps connect with the platforms.
The Metrocentre is a shopping centre, and thus has all the amenities required.
A Holiday Inn sits on Riverside, next to the railway line, whilst there is also a Marriot hotel near the complex. Tyne and Wear has plenty of other accommodation available.
The view of the track looking eastbound is longer than that westbound. All services will be slow heading through this point, even non stoppers, so there should be no problem in being ready for a shot. One good shot to get is of a train heading westbound, and capturing the \"Metrocentre\" logo on the overbridge next to the station.
Shooting in the east in the morning, and the west in the evening, can be difficult, due to the rising and setting sun.
One other thing, the platforms are a little narrow at points, and so other waiting passengers could obstruct a shot.
