South Shields New Central Library and Digital Media Centre Travel Plan June 2014

New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market Place

Travel Plan

Report

New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market Place

Travel Plan

Report

JMP Consultants Limited Milburn House Dean Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE

T 0191 260 0135 F 0191 206 4001 E [email protected]

www.jmp.co.uk

Job No. NEA1239

Report No. 1

Prepared by JQ

Verified SP

Approved by SP

Status FINAL

Issue No. 3

Date 13 June 2014

New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market Place

Travel Plan

Report

Contents Amendments Record

This document has been issued and amended as follows:

Status/Revision Revision description Issue Number Approved By Date DRAFT 1 14/03/2014 DRAFT 2 24/04/2014 FINAL 3 13/06/2014

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 Background...... 1 Structure of Report ...... 1 Policy Background ...... 2 Benefits of a Travel Plan ...... 4 2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ...... 5 Site Location ...... 5 Sustainable Transport Network ...... 6 Highway Network ...... 12 Parking ...... 12 3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ...... 14 The New Central Library & Digital Media Centre ...... 14 Market Place ...... 16 Harton Quays Car Park ...... 16 4 TRAVEL PLAN MEASURES ...... 17 Location & Built Environment ...... 17 Travel Plan Co-ordinator ...... 18 Services and Facilities ...... 19 Promotional Strategy ...... 22 5 OBJECTIVES AND MONITORING ...... 27 Key Objectives ...... 27 Monitoring Devices ...... 27 6 TARGETS ...... 29 Targets ...... 29 7 SUMMARY ...... 33

Tables and Figures

Table 2.1 Bus services within the study area ...... 6 Table 2.2 Frequency of Metro services from South Shields Station ...... 9 Table 2.3 Examples of approximate journey times from the South Shields Station ...... 9 Table 2.4 Summary timetable for ferry crossings ...... 10 Table 2.5 Public Town Centre Car Parks ...... 13 Table 4.1 Car and Cycle Parking Standards & Provision ...... 20 Table 4.2 Sustainable Travel Events ...... 24 Table 6.1 Existing modal splits (Journey to Work Census Data 2001) ...... 29 Table 6.2 Modal splits based on TRICs ...... 29 Table 6.3 Anticipated Staff and Visitor Modal Splits ...... 30 Table 6.4 Change in mode share as a result of travel plan measures ...... 30 Table 6.5 Proposed modal splits 6 months after implementation of the travel plan ...... 31 Table 6.6 Target Summary...... 32 Table 7.1 Target Summary...... 33

Figure 2.1 Site Location in context of the Town Centre ...... 5 Figure 2.2 Proposed Development Elements ...... 6 Figure 2.3 Bus stops in vicinity of development ...... 8 Figure 2.4 Map showing the Tyne and Wear Metro Network ...... 9 Figure 2.5 Existing Cycle Network ...... 11 Figure 2.6 Taxi Ranks within South Shields town centre ...... 12 Figure 4.1 The Travel Plan Pyramid ...... 17

Appendices

APPENDIX A Travel Plan Questionnaire

1 Introduction

Background 1.1 JMP have been appointed by MUSE and South Tyneside Council (STC), to prepare a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan for a proposed development in South Shields town centre, South Tyneside. The development consists of:

 Proposed erection of New Central Library & Digital Media Centre, referred to hereafter as The New Central Library – containing a library, educational and community facilities, cafe and restaurant;

 Proposed remodelling of the Market Place and erection of market stall canopy structure; and

 Proposed Harton Quays car park. 1.2 STC has embarked on an ambitious initiative intent on the regeneration and revitalisation of South Shields town centre referred to as the South Shields 365 town centre vision. This sets out a sustainable economic vision for South Shields which will help create new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors. This will include the creation of an expanded retail and leisure offer which ensures that a greater amount of spend is retained in the borough.

1.3 Fundamental to the town centre is the provision of a range of other attractions and experiences which add value and create a unique offer to encourage repeat trips. This will aid STC’s ambition to create a vibrant town centre which will be a place of all year round cultural, leisure and retail activity for residents, businesses and visitors.

1.4 Taking this bold vision forward is a major step in securing a sustainable future for South Shields. It sets out major interventions which will transform the town and provide lasting improvements to the way the town functions - from the shopping and leisure offer to the way people travel to, from and around the town centre, making it easy for all visitors to enjoy the Foreshore and Riverside as well.

1.5 This element forms the first stage of the town centre works creating an important community, leisure and retail facility in the heart if the town centre.

Structure of Report 1.6 Following this introduction, this report includes:

 existing non-car based transport infrastructure;

 site accessibility in relation to local services and public transport;

 measures to help encourage sustainable travel to and from the site and to reduce the traffic impact of the site (giving consideration to existing transport conditions and facilities in the area);

 the objectives of the travel plan and how they will be monitored;

 appropriate targets for the travel plan; and

 a summary of the plan.

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Policy Background 1.7 The Travel Plan has been developed in accordance with current policy at national, regional and local level.

National Policy National Planning Policy Framework 1.8 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It provides a framework within which local people, and their respective Councils, can produce their distinctive local and neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities.

1.9 All developments that generate significant amounts of movement should be supported by a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment. Plans and decisions should take account of whether:

 The opportunities for sustainable transport modes have been considered in relation to the nature and location of the site, to reduce the need for major transport infrastructure;

 Safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all people; and

 Improvements can be undertaken within the transport network, which cost-effectively limit the significant impacts of the development. Development should only be prevented or refused on transport grounds where the residual cumulative impacts of development are severe. Government White Paper: Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon – Making Sustainable Local Transport Happen 1.10 The White Paper outlines the vision for a transport system that is an engine for economic growth, but one that is also greener, safer and improves quality of life. The UK has legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5% below 1990 levels by the period 2008 – 2012 but the Government have set an objective of 20%.

1.11 To achieve this it advocates a wide range of measures to deal with congestion and emissions that need to be implemented at both a national and local level. The White Paper identifies the costs of transport. In particular, the issues surrounding delay, pollution, health problems and accidents all caused by local congestion. As a result, it is stated that access to sustainable travel modes and improving accessibility can make a significant contribution to public health, quality of life and local growth.

Local Planning Policy (LEPs) 1.12 Upon formation, the Coalition Government moved rapidly to remove the regional tier of government in England, with the revocation of Regional Spatial Strategies.

1.13 The policy focus has shifted to the promotion of planning at a local neighbourhood or community scale, at a level to be influenced by local people. This move towards localism serves to strengthen the role of directly elected Local Authorities in determining their own priorities and strategies, and encourages a much stronger partnership with local businesses and local people in delivering the growth and regeneration of their own communities. Consequently, as part of this move towards more responsible community led governance Local Authorities were invited to come together to submit proposals with business leaders to form LEPs in their area. The North East LEP consists of Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham Councils.

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Local Planning Policy South Shields 365 Town Centre Vision The South Shields Town Centre Vision document sets out a sustainable economic vision for South Shields which will help create new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors. It identifies the economic core of the headland comprising three distinct geographic ‘character areas’ namely the Riverside, the Town Centre and the Foreshore with each serving a distinct economic function for South Shields.

Fundamental to the strategy is linking these areas to ensure a broader experience for residents and visitors and for increasing internal expenditure. This needs to be supported by improving permeability and legibility within the town centre connecting the traditional heart of the centre with the new opportunities.

Tyne and Wear Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP3) 1.14 The third local transport plan for Tyne and Wear comprises of a ten-year strategy (2011 – 2021) encompassing all forms of transport. The strategy will be out into effect through a series of three- year delivery plans, the first of which will run from 2011 to 2014.

1.15 The vision for LTP3 is:

Tyne and Wear will have a fully integrated and sustainable transport network, allowing everyone the opportunity to achieve their full potential and have a high quality of life. Our strategic networks will support the efficient movement of people and goods within and beyond Tyne and Wear, and a comprehensive network of pedestrian, cycle and passenger transport links will ensure that everyone has access to employment, training, community services and facilities.

1.16 In order to achieve this vision five goals have been set:

 to support the economic development, regeneration and competitiveness of Tyne and Wear, improving the efficiency, reliability and integration of transport networks across all modes;

 to reduce carbon emissions produced by local transport movements, and to strengthen our networks against the effects of climate change and extreme weather events;

 to contribute to healthier and safer communities in Tyne and Wear, with higher levels of physical activity and personal security;

 to create a fairer Tyne and Wear, providing everyone with the opportunity to achieve their full potential and access a wide range of employment, training, facilities and services; and

 to protect, preserve and enhance our natural and built environments, improving people’s quality of life and creating high quality public places. 1.17 The proposed development is considered to sit within the policy framework and particularly build on the key elements of promoting economic development and prosperity within a safe, sustainable and efficient environment.

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Benefits of a Travel Plan 1.18 Experience shows that the benefits accruing from a travel plan can be extensive.

1.19 For the organisation a travel plan can:

 Contribute towards securing permission for a new development, as Local Planning Authorities often attach conditions to planning permissions requiring the implementation of a travel plan;

 Solve problems caused by demand for car parking;

 Save money on the cost of providing and maintaining parking spaces;

 Enable higher occupancy of existing buildings;

 Solve problems caused by traffic congestion on and around the site;

 Enable more visitors/customers to access the site;

 Provide a better experience for visitors/customers travelling to the site;

 Improve the image with both visitors/customers and neighbours;

 Ease delays to deliveries and movements of goods off site;

 Improve visitors/staff health and reduce staff absenteeism;

 Assist with recruitment and retention by making staff journeys to work easier and cheaper; and

 Improve staff punctuality by reducing congestion delays and supporting more reliable means of transport. 1.20 For staff a travel plan can:

 Assure parking for those with most need to access a vehicle;

 Help provide less stressful options for travel to work;

 Give opportunities to build healthy exercise into daily life;

 Reduce journey times to work; and

 Reduce the cost of travel to work, or avert the need to buy a car.

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2 Existing Conditions

Site Location 2.1 The proposed development is located within South Shields town centre, the largest urban settlement in South Tyneside.

2.2 The development is located to the west of the town centre and in close proximity to the riverside. It therefore provides a key link between the riverside park, Customs House, Mill Dam and the BT office building and the town centre’s retail and leisure core and public transport facilities.

2.3 The proposed development site in relation to the surrounding area and the three distinct geographical areas can be viewed on Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1 Site Location in context of the Town Centre

2.4 The specific development elements can be seen on Figure 2.2 overleaf.

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Figure 2.2 Proposed Development Elements

Sustainable Transport Network Buses 2.5 There is a comprehensive network of bus services in South Tyneside. The proposed development site is located to the west of the main bus interchange of Keppel Street in South Shields. The services that currently serve the South Shields interchange are outlined in Table 2.1. This Travel Plan is a working document and this table will be checked and if required updated on an annual basis.

Table 2.1 Bus services within the study area Mon –Sat Mon –Sat Sunday Sunday Service Route Daytime Evening Daytime Evening South Shields – Biddick 3/4 6 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour Hall – South Shields South Shields – Marsden 7/8 6 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour

- South Shields South Shields – Harton Nook - Biddick Hall – Low 10/11 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour Simonside - South

Shields Stagecoach

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The Lonnen - South 12 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour Shields South Shields – Horsley 13/14 Hill - Biddick Hall – Low 2 per hour - - - Simonside - Jarrow South Shields - Whitleas 16 4 per hour - 4 per hour - – South Shields South Shields – 17 Whiteleas – South 4 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour Shields South Shields – Brockley 18 6 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour Whins – South Shields South Shields – Whitburn E1 3 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour - Sunderland South Shields – Whitburn E2 3 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour - Sunderland South Shields – Whitburn E6 3 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour - Sunderland South Shields – Simonside – Fellgate – X20 2 per hour - - - Simonside – South Shields Newcastle – Heworth 27 Metro – Jarrow – South 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour Shields Newcastle – Heworth 27A Metro – Jarrow – South 2 per hour - 4 journeys - Shields South Shields – Cleadon 30 2 per hour 1 per hour 1 per hour 1 per hour - Boldon South Shields – Sunderland – Houghton- 35 4 per hour 2 per hour 4 per hour 2 per hour le-Spring – Hetton Le Hole South Shields – 50 Washington – Chester-le- 2 per hour 1 per hour 1 per hour 1 per hour Street - Durham Newcastle – Gateshead – 57 Leam Lane – Heworth – 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour

Fellgate – South Shields

Newcastle – Gateshead – 57A Leam Lane – Heworth – 2 per hour 1 per hour 1 per hour 1 per hour Fellgate – South Shields South Shields – Jarrow – 88 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour 2 per hour

Monkton Lane Estate Go North East South Shields – The 500 1 per hour - - -

Lawe – South Shields

South Shields – Pier 501 1 per hour - - -

Head – South Shields

Budget Budget Buses

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South Shields - Simonside – South TB502 1 per hour - - - Tyneside General Hospital

2.6 The services provide frequent access to the site from key residential areas in South Tyneside such as Cleadon, Boldon and Whiteleas as well as services to Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland.

2.7 The site is adjacent to South Shields Town Centre, where passengers can access the extensive bus network that covers South Tyneside and Sunderland. There are currently numerous bus stops at the Keppel Street Bus Station and one set down stop (where passengers can alight but are not able to board a bus). The South Shields Metro Station is also situated next to the Keppel Street Bus Station and a Nexus Travel Centre is located close by on Fowler Street. Additionally there are two bus stops on Fowler Street in the Town Centre.

2.8 Figure 2.3 shows the number of bus stops within the vicinity of the development.

Figure 2.3 Bus stops in vicinity of development

Community Transport Options 2.9 A number of alternative public transport options are available to residents of South Tyneside. Taxicard is a smartcard that contains £125 worth of taxi fares that can be used when using taxis. The passenger pays the first £1.50, then the next £3.00 is deducted from the card. The remainder of the fare is then made up by the passenger. People automatically qualify for this scheme if they receive high rate mobility component of the disability living allowance, attendance allowance or are registered as severely visually impaired or blind.

Metro Services 2.10 The South Shields Metro Station is located in close proximity to the site. The New Central Library is therefore well connected to the wider Tyne and Wear region by the Metro network which can be seen in Figure 2.4. South Shields is positioned on the yellow line, which serves many destinations in North and South Tyneside, including major employment attractors such as Gateshead and

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Newcastle. The green line is also accessible to people via Pelaw. The green line provides further access to and from the airport and South Hylton via Sunderland, stopping at many destinations in South Tyneside including Fellgate, Brockley Whins and East Boldon.

Figure 2.4 Map showing the Tyne and Wear Metro Network

Source: Nexus.org.uk

2.11 Services from the South Shields Metro Station are outlined in the table below. The first service on weekday and Saturday mornings is 05:45 and 05:51 respectively, while the first service on a Sunday morning is at 07:03. The Metro operates until approximately midnight seven days a week.

Table 2.2 Frequency of Metro services from South Shields Station

Day Daytime Frequency Evening Frequency

Monday to Friday Every 12 mins Every 15 mins Saturday Every 12 mins Every 15 mins Sunday Every 15 mins Every 15 mins

2.12 The table below provides several examples of approximate Metro journey times from the South Shields Station. The journey time from the South Shields to the Chichester Station is approximately two minutes.

Table 2.3 Examples of approximate journey times from the South Shields Station

Destination Approximate journey time

Pelaw 17 minutes Heworth 19 minutes Gateshead 24 minutes Newcastle (Monument) 28 minutes Newcastle (Haymarket) 29 minutes South Gosforth 36 minutes Whitley Bay 54 minutes

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2.13 South Shields Metro Station does not have dedicated car parking facilities, but does have a taxi rank, cycle parking (eight spaces at the bottom of the station steps) and information points.

Ferry 2.14 The ferry landing at South Shields is located to the west of Ferry Street which is directly opposite the site. There is pedestrian access from Ferry Street to the ferry landing stage. The Shields Ferry provides passenger transport (including the accommodation of cycles) across the River Tyne between two floating landing stages at North Shields and South Shields.

2.15 The ferry connects with other public transport services in close proximity on the north and south side of the River Tyne, including bus and Metro networks via the existing footpath network. Ferries depart from each landing every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately seven minutes. Table 2.4 summarises the ferry timetable.

Table 2.4 Summary timetable for ferry crossings

Service From North Shields to South From South Shields to North Shields Shields

First Service Mon-Wed 07:00 Mon-Wed 06:45 Thurs-Sat 07:00 Thurs-Sat 06:45 Sunday 10:30 Sunday 10:15 Last Service Mon-Wed 20:00 Mon-Wed 19:45 Thurs-Sat 22:50 Thurs-Sat 22:40 Sunday 18:00 Sunday 17:45

2.16 This Travel Plan is a working document therefore Table 2.4 will be checked and if required updated on an annual basis.

Pedestrian Infrastructure 2.17 The site is located within a developed commercial centre and residential area and, as such, is surrounded by an extensive pedestrian network. Footways from the development offer connections to South Shields Town Centre, main public transport connections at South Shields and the surrounding residential areas.

2.18 The existing footways are considered to be a suitable width to accommodate passing push chairs, those with small children, wheelchairs and those with varying levels of disability and visual impairment. The footways lead to a number of formal and informal pedestrian crossings within the area. This includes an existing pedestrian refuge on Ferry Street, two uncontrolled dropped crossings and a pelican crossing on Church Way. All crossings are provided with dropped kerbs and appropriately coloured tactile paving.

Cycle Infrastructure 2.19 There are 3 National Cycle Network (NCN) routes in close proximity to the Harton Staithes development site. These are:

 NCN Route 1 – Dover to Shetland via the east coast

 NCN Route 14 – Three Rivers Cycle Route, Stockton to South Shields via Hartlepool, Durham, Consett and Gateshead

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 NCN Route 72 – Hadrian’s Cycleway, Kendal to South Shields via Whitehaven, Carlisle, Newcastle upon Tyne and Tynemouth. 2.20 Within South Tyneside NCN Routes 14 and 72 are mainly on road with some section traffic free whereas NCN Route 1 is almost entirely on traffic free paths. In addition there is also on road cycle facilities along the length of King George Road. The New Central Library is located where these three cycle routes meet therefore making it very well located with regard to cycling.

2.21 The cycling network also provides opportunities to integrate with other sustainable modes of transport, such as the Shields Ferry and Metro stations in the area. The routes in the vicinity of the development can be seen on Figure 2.5.

2.22 South Tyneside cycle maps are available from the Council, tourist information centres and libraries.

Figure 2.5 Existing Cycle Network

Cycle North East South Tyneside Cycling Map

Taxi 2.23 There are currently various taxi pick-up and drop-off locations across the town centre as shown on Figure 2.6.

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Figure 2.6 Taxi Ranks within South Shields town centre

Highway Network 2.24 The nearest strategic road to the site is the A19 dual carriageway which runs approximately 4 kilometres to the west of the site. It runs north to south and links Northumberland and North Tyneside to South Tyneside, Sunderland and Middlesbrough via the Tyne Tunnel.

2.25 Access to the site from the A19 is via the A194 Western Approach which continues to South Shields Town Centre. The other main access routes to South Shields are the A183 Coast Road (from the south via the east coast) and the A1018 Westoe Road (from the south from Sunderland). South Shields is linked to Hebburn and Jarrow via the A185 Jarrow Road.

2.26 The proposed car park will be accessed via the B1303 Station Road / Coronation Street / Commercial Road / Harton Quay roundabout which is a five arm roundabout. To access The New Central Library will involve continuing north to the Ferry Street / Church Way Roundabout.

Parking Park and Ride Facilities 2.27 Current Park and Ride facilities in South Tyneside are located around the Metro system, where car parks have been adapted and extended for Park and Ride use. There are four Park and Ride sites in South Tyneside located at the Hebburn, Jarrow, East Boldon, Tyne Dock and Fellgate Metro stations.

Car Parks 2.28 There are a number of car parks located within South Shields. Table 2.5 shows a summary of them.

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Table 2.5 Public Town Centre Car Parks

Parking Area Time of Charge Charge

Short Stay Parking Areas Salem Street (34) 9am to 6pm Mon-Sat - 1p per min for first hour, 80p per hour thereafter / max stay 2 hours North Street (115) 9am to 6pm Sun – 1p per min, £1 all day Denmark Centre (120) 9am to 5pm 70p per hour Garden Lane North (75) 9am to 6pm 70p per hour Sat – 1p per min for first hour, 80p per hour 9am to 6pm Library thereafter / max stay 2 hours (weekends only) Sun – 1p per min, £1 all day Broughton Road, Everyday - 1p per min for first hour, 80p per hour Anderson Street, Beach thereafter / max stay 2 hours. Road West Mon-Sat - 1p per min for first hour, 80p per hour East Street (16) thereafter / max stay 2 hours Sun – 1p per min, £1 all day Long Stay Parking Areas Thomas Street (50) Charlotte Street (153) Mon-Sat - 1p per min for first hour, 80p per hour 9am to 6pm thereafter / max stay 2 hours. £3 all day. Oyston Street (95) Sun – 1p per min, £1 all day Mile End Road Mon-Sat - 70p per hour Mill Dam (172) 9am to 5pm Sun - £1 all day Sat - 1p per min for first hour, 80p per hour 9am to 6pm Winchester Street (155) thereafter / max stay 2 hours. £3 all day. (weekends only) Sun – 1p per min, £1 all day Free Parking Areas Fowler Street (7) Max stay 20 mins Garden Lane (26) Max stay 2 hours Claypath Lane (40) Weekends only Source: www.southtyneside.info

2.29 These are supplemented by a number of private car parks including ASDA and Morrisons.

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3 Proposed Development 3.1 A description of three elements of the proposed application follows:

The New Central Library & Digital Media Centre 3.2 The proposed development provides a modern and sustainable development providing a new 21st century public library facility, gallery space, potential retail space, Open Zone facility, flexible community/meeting rooms, a café and a roof top restaurant.

3.3 Entry to the foyer space will be directly off the Market Place. The triple height foyer opens into the main atrium which is a flexible exhibition/gallery space.

3.4 Around the edge of the atrium is the main accommodation stair which draws users past the different functions of the building. The partially triple height café space is open to the ground floor functions of the building. Views over the Tyne are enhanced by the provision of an external terrace area access directly from the café space.

3.5 To the left of the atrium is a community meeting room ‘pod’ situated within a retail/quick pick media area. To the right sits a possible retail area; between that and the café is one of several reading areas.

3.6 The New Central Library has been designed to attract a variety of users, and in doing so, provides the opportunity for different sorts of exhibitions and displays. As the different levels of the building are traversed, there are a number of ‘stop-off’ points which may be used to house themed exhibits or installations.

3.7 The traditional library needs to adapt to 21st Century expectations, and to this end, the new facility within The New Central Library combines various types of media with traditional learning and study areas and IT facilities. On the ground floor, areas for quick pick media and self-service check-out. On the first floor, is the reference area for all ages. Library staff facilities are located on this floor to optimise observation of the library as a whole. Up a level, the children’s section can be found which, with the combination of the Open Zone facilities, offers an interactive floor for children to explore.

3.8 This Open Zone facility offers a variety of activities, which, principally are for school pupils, but which can be opened up to the wider community as part of the flexibility within The New Central Library. It combines IT facilities with open study/learning space and a media studio for film and sound.

3.9 The top floor houses the restaurant, kitchen and main building plant. There are terraces which open out towards the river, and a walkway around the parapet of the building.

3.10 The existing library provides a programme of community activities and spaces much of which is to be continued in The New Central Library. Dedicated community rooms, flexible meeting spaces and the open floors of the library will be used to enhance the current community activity provision.

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Market Place 3.11 The proposals for The New Central Library are part and parcel of a wider masterplan to redevelop the Market Place and its neighbouring streets. The principles of this masterplan involve:

 defining the Square;

 rationalising movement;

 defining the Civic Space;

 creating Active Edges;

 improvement of the Relationship between the Square and the Buildings;

 creating Links; 3.12 The proposed Market Place design aims to incorporate the Old Town Hall, St Hilda’s Church and the New Central Library forming an important civic space. The design creates a subtle definition between the space in front of these buildings and the space around the retail and commercial buildings. The tree avenue design frames building access points and directs pedestrian movement without impacting upon the permeability through the space.

3.13 The hard landscaping has been designed to tie in seamlessly with the wider design, with the use of matching materials (Yorkstone setts and paving, concrete paving). Similarly, any soft landscaping or trees will form part of the overall strategy.

3.14 The Masterplan is split into 2 phases. The first phase of the works will include the construction of The New Central Library and the immediate Market Place works. Church Way will remain during this phase. As the next stages of the regeneration proposal are implemented, Church Way will be closed and the completion of the full Civic Square will proceed.

3.15 The proposal is designed to enable the design principles to be in place during Phase 1. The simple organisation of the materials will enable seamless transition between the first and second phases.

Harton Quays Car Park 3.16 The proposed development is supported by a new car park. This will be accessed from the rear of the BT building from the Coronation Street / Station Road roundabout.

3.17 The car park will have 40 bays in total including eight designated as disabled spaces and five as electric vehicle charging spaces. The car park will include two dedicated spaces for motorcycle parking. The car park will include for 40 spaces (20 racks) for bicycles. These will be Sheffield style and will be covered.

3.18 The car park will be under Council ownership and the charging mechanism will be agreed by the Council. An appropriate charging mechanism should be established to ensure a good turnover of users and prohibit protracted stays associated with the adjacent office building. The mechanism outlined below is used by a number of car parks within the town centre.

 Operational 9am to 6pm;

 Mon-Sat - 1p per min for first hour, 80p per hour thereafter / max stay 2 hours;

 Sun – 1p per min, £1 all day;

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4 Travel Plan Measures

4.1 The travel plan pyramid presented in the Department for Transport’s (DfT) publication, “Making Travel Plans Work: Good Practice Guidelines for New Development” has been used to devise suitable measures for the development.

4.2 The travel plan pyramid, shown in Figure 4.1, demonstrates the need to lay the foundations of sustainable travel through selection of an appropriate site and through site design features. Each new development should then also incorporate measures to encourage travel by sustainable modes alongside promotion of these measures so that users are aware of the services available and their benefits.

Figure 4.1 The Travel Plan Pyramid

4.3 This section details how these principles have been followed for the proposed development, alongside an appreciation of the existing situation and local transport needs.

Location & Built Environment Location 4.4 The proposed development is located within South Shields Town Centre. As such the site is located in proximity to a number of local services and facilities, including:

 Primary schools;  Banks;

 Supermarkets;  General practitioners; and

 Post offices;  Dentists. 4.5 Aside from the employment opportunities included within the New Central Library, the site is located close to other employment opportunities including office and retail developments within

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South Shields Town Centre, a number of industrial estates and South Tyneside General Hospital. The proximity of these facilities reduces the need to travel by private car for many trip purposes.

4.6 The location of the New Central Library is also accessible via a range of sustainable transport modes including:

 A comprehensive bus network serving South Tyneside and the rest of Tyne and Wear;

 South Shields Metro Station, providing access to a number of key locations in North and South Tyneside and large urban centres such as Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland;

 The Shields Ferry, which provides access across the River Tyne between South Shields and North Shields; and

 A number of strategic cycling routes, including NCN14, NCN 72 and NCN1. Nature of the Development 4.7 The building will have a number of complimentary uses resulting in internal linking of trips within the building. For example a number of people who use the gallery/exhibition/cafe will have made the primary trip to browse the library. Additionally it is considered unlikely that people will make a specific trip into the retail outlet, assumed to be newsagents, rather they are anticipated to be people who work in the facility or are using the library.

4.8 The building will have a number of complimentary uses resulting in external linking of trips within the town centre. For example a number of people whose primary trip purpose is the library may also do shopping in the town centre. Similarly people who do shopping in the town centre may choose to use the cafe facilities. Furthermore people who work in the town centre may use the restaurant at lunch time or on evenings.

4.9 In addition to the linking of trips, it is assumed that a number of these trips are already on the network. The library and community facilities housed within The New Central Library are a replacement of the existing library facility located between Fowler Street and Anderson Street. Staff and visitor vehicular trips associated with this facility are therefore already on the network. These trips are likely to be redistributed as a result of the relocation of the facility. Whilst they will increase the impact on some junctions and car parking availability, they will decrease the impact on other junctions and car parking availability. Trips associated with the existing library will therefore need to be netted off when considering future phases of the masterplan.

4.10 Clearly it is very difficult to quantify this linking of trips. However it is considered that the vast majority of trips will be existing or linked town centre trips with a small number of trips being new or purely to access The New Central Library in isolation.

Travel Plan Co-ordinator 4.11 A Travel Plan Co-ordinator (TPC) will be appointed six months prior to the opening of the development, and will be in post for the lifetime of the development. It is anticipated that a member of staff from the library will take on the role of TPC.

4.12 Buy in from all the different elements of the building will be required. A representative from each element will therefore form the travel plan steering group. The steering group will be formed within three months of the opening of the building.

4.13 The main aims of the travel plan co-ordinator will be:

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 To reduce the number of lone car drivers to and from the site;

 Increase the number of employees and visitors utilising sustainable forms of transport to and from the site;

 Increase employee awareness of the travel plan and the use of sustainable modes.

 Liaise with stakeholders to ensure that travel plan measures are implemented and promoted to employees;

 Plan and undertake at least one focused travel awareness event at the site per year which may be linked with national events such as Bike Week, or with promotions in the area e.g. in partnership with local schools; and

 Ensure that the travel plan is monitored each year, the data is provided to the local authority, and new measures are developed if the plan is not achieving the required levels of modal shift. 4.14 The main aims of the steering group will be:

 To oversee the development and monitoring of the travel plan;

 To ensure buy in from all elements of the New Central Library;

 Investigate mutual benefits such as combined servicing;

 Liaise with stakeholders to ensure that travel plan measures are implemented and promoted to employees;

 To review the travel plan data, and discuss and agree new measures if the plan is not achieving the required levels of modal shift.

Services and Facilities Public Transport 4.15 Following the TPCs appointment and in the six months prior to occupation they will negotiate with Nexus to provide discounted travel to employees of the site. For example, investigate the provision of a free one month public transport ticket (bus, ferry, Metro) to all new employees of the proposed development.

Car Share Club 4.16 Following the TPCs appointment and in the six months prior to occupation of the development the TPC will join the official Tyne and Wear car sharing scheme; www.sharesmarter.co.uk. The TPC will also liaise with other existing employees in the area (e.g. South Tyneside Council) to promote the scheme in the wider area, thereby increasing the potential pool of matches. All new employees will be given a demonstration of the car share scheme and asked to register so that they are able to utilise the service in future.

Restricted Car Parking 4.17 Parking for the development needs to be considered in context of the wider masterplan. Future phases of the masterplan will see the development of a multi-storey car park on the existing Oyston Street car park. This car park will serve the existing and new retail and leisure developments within the town centre in particular the proposed cinema complex. The proposed Harton Quays car park, included as part of this application, will serve the west of the town centre and in particular the New Central Library and Market Place.

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market 19 Place

4.18 STC’s car parking standards within SPD 6 have been reviewed to consider the provision required for the development.

4.19 The provision of operational space, defined as space required for vehicles involved in the operation of the site, i.e. for manoeuvring, loading / unloading of delivery vehicles and for the picking-up / setting-down of passengers, is addressed by the two loading bays identified above.

4.20 Given that the development is within the South Shields town centre, the provision is governed by the town centre standards. SPD6 outlines that the maximum car parking standards methodology is based on the principle that the town centre location demonstrates better accessibility by public transport, walking and cycling, than other more peripheral locations. Therefore, there is less of a requirement to provide new car parking facilities in these more central locations. Within the town centre, developments will normally be permitted to provide only for operational space, with parking provision provided by free or pay & display public parking.

4.21 SPD6 also outlines a number of supporting aims for encouraging the provision of operational space only within town centres:

 encouraging a more efficient use of land in town centres and the foreshore;

 avoiding the potential loss of urban form and character in town centres (and local neighbourhoods);

 avoiding the haphazard distribution of private car parks, not necessarily related to the local road network;

 concentrating the provision of non-operational parking in town centres and on the foreshore, in the form of strategically located car parks available for use by the general public and with good access arrangements; and

 adopting an effective parking management policy in central areas to ensure the continued vitality of the boroughs town centres. 4.22 The strategic provision of car parking as outlined in the masterplan document, and in this application the provision of the Harton Quay Car Park, is considered to tie in with these aims.

4.23 The provision of non-operational car parking and cycle parking is outlined in Table 4.1. It identifies that the New Central Library warrants the provision of 14 car parking spaces which will be accommodated within the town centres car parks. It identifies that the New Central Library warrants the provision of 20 cycle parking spaces or ten racks which would be accommodated within Harton Quays car park. To promote sustainability it is considered appropriate to double this provision to 40 cycle parking spaces or 20 racks which will be covered.

Table 4.1 Car and Cycle Parking Standards & Provision

Size Element Dev Type (sqm)/ Standard Provision Staff

Archive/ Plant/Bin Complimentary Use No Provision Store Car – 1 space Gallery/ Libraries, Car – 10% of 1 space per 2 staff 2 staff. staff plus 2.5 Exhibition/ galleries, plus 1 space per 30sqm for visitors 714m2 spaces for visitors Cafe museums Cycle – 2 spaces per 200sqm Cycle – 3 spaces

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Retail Shops Car – 10% of 1 space per 30sqm Car – 0.5 spaces 158m2 Outlet >500sqm Cycle – 2 spaces per 100sqm Cycle – 2 spaces Office/Staff Area/Meetin Complimentary Use No Provision g Room Residential, 6 staff. Car – 50% of 1 space per 2 staff educational Visitor plus parking for visitors Car – 1.5 spaces Open Zone and training s by Cycle – 1 spaces per 5 staff plus Cycle – 2 spaces centres coach parking for occupants Car - 0.5 spaces Car – 10% of 1 space per 2 staff Libraries, 8 staff. for staff plus 4 plus 1 space per 30sqm for visitors Library galleries, 1172m spaces for visitors museums 2 Cycle – 2 spaces per 200sqm Cycle – 6 spaces Restaurant/ Car – 10% of 1 space per 10sqm Car - 3.5 spaces Restaurants 335m2 Kitchen Cycle – 2 spaces per 50sqm Cycle – 6 spaces Car – (13.5) rounded to 14 spaces Total Cycle – (19) rounded to 20 spaces or 10 racks Walking 4.24 Walking is the most sustainable mode of travel, has a number of proven health benefits, is free and offers predictable journeys. Walking is important for the vast majority of people, including those using public transport or without access to a car.

4.25 ‘Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 13: Transport’ is a planning document aimed at providing an integrated and efficient transport system. It states that ‘walking is the most important mode of travel at the local level and offers the greatest potential to replace short car trips, particularly under 2km’.

4.26 The site design will incorporate a high quality public realm, to connect to the existing comprehensive pedestrian network that exists within the area. The existing network links to bus routes, Metro stations and the ferry pier at South Shields, thus encouraging the use of sustainable transport modes over the private car.

4.27 Pedestrian access to the centre will be via a wide pedestrian space connecting directly to the existing footways on Church Way. A high quality walking environment will be provided prior to occupation in and around the site that will be direct, clear and well lit to assist those with varying levels of disability and visual impairment.

Cycling 4.27.1 PPG 13 encourages cycling by stating that cycling is cheap, offers reliable journey times and is environmentally friendly and has the potential to substitute short car trips, particularly those under 5km.

4.28 The development is adjacent to the cycle network and therefore the design of the public realm will encourage connections to this network.

4.29 STC’s cycle parking standards contained within SPD 6 have been reviewed to consider the provision required for the development. The methodology, as outlined in Table 4.1, has calculated

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market 21 Place

the provision based upon the range of uses proposed within the New Central Library. It identifies that the New Central Library warrants the provision of 20 cycle parking spaces or ten racks which would be accommodated within Harton Quays car park. To promote sustainability it is considered appropriate to double this provision to 40 cycle parking spaces or 20 racks.

4.30 In addition, showers and lockers for staff will be provided within the building and therefore cycling will be a viable and convenient mode of travel for work journeys.

4.31 The development will establish a Bike to Work Scheme within the first 6 months of occupation which will offer assistance to employees via salary sacrifice to purchase the required equipment to cycle to work.

Electric Charging Points 4.32 South Tyneside, along with its partnering authorities has been declared a Low Carbon Economic Area by Government. The Council is seeking to use this status to move to the forefront of the low carbon economy and become a major business growth sector in the borough.

4.33 As such five electric charging points will be provided within the Harton Quays Car Park, which forms part of this application.

Taxi Drop-off 4.34 Four taxi ranks exist in the town centre as shown on Figure 2.6. These are located within walking distance of the New Central Library. The road network adjacent to the New Central Library will be accessible by taxis in both Stage 1 and 2.

4.35 A framework taxi contract will be investigated by the TPC. This could include the provision of a free phone taxi service established in the foyer providing direct connection to one or several taxi companies. The cafe and in particular the restaurant will be encouraged to offer a taxi booking service to customers.

Promotional Strategy Information and Promotion 4.36 The first step towards behavioural change is for an individual to understand the benefits of sustainable travel options which are realistic and feasible to them. The key barrier to behavioural change is a lack of knowledge and/or misperceptions about the availability of sustainable travel options. Complete travel information that is easy to understand is essential to influence travel behaviour and therefore imperative for the success of the Travel Plan.

Welcome Pack 4.37 All new employees will receive a welcome travel packs which will provide appropriate materials and incentives to encourage travel by sustainable modes. The travel welcome pack will consist of:

 The existing sustainable transport options;

 A summary of travel plan measures;

 A summary of the local services and facilities available in order to reduce the need to travel further a field;

 A map showing the link between transport and available services;

 Any local initiatives e.g. cycle training, health walks and cycling rides etc; and

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 Sources of further information and internet links. 4.38 All transferred and new members of the library will receive a welcome travel pack which will provide appropriate materials and incentives to encourage travel by sustainable modes. As with the pack for staff, the welcome pack will consist of:

 The existing sustainable transport options;

 A summary of travel plan measures;

 A summary of the local services and facilities available in order to reduce the need to travel further a field;

 A map showing the link between transport and available services;

 Any local initiatives e.g. cycle training, health walks and cycling rides etc; and

 Sources of further information and internet links. Use of Technology Websites 4.39 Following the TPCs appointment and in the six months prior to occupation the New Central Library will develop a website which will contain a section outlining information regarding the site’s travel plan, current site accessibility and what measures have been taken to promote sustainable modes. Providing information to visitors, as well as the ability to access certain services online, reduces unnecessary trips and therefore assists with reducing the need to travel. The website will contain the following:

 A bespoke ‘How to get to guide’ - a site specific travel guide for accessing the development by sustainable modes;

 A map showing the location of the New Central Library;

 Opening times of the different elements;

 Advertisements for travel plan events; and

 Links to the following websites:

 Smart Choices – www.gosmarter.co.uk

 Share Smarter – www.sharesmarter.co.uk

 Walk It – www.walkit.com

 Sustrans – www.sustrans.org.uk

 Nexus – www.nexus.org.uk

 Transport Direct – www.transportdirect.info

 Traveline North East – www.travelinenortheast.info Emails 4.40 All members registering at the library will provide an email contact address. This will be used to provide sustainable travel information to members on a three monthly basis.

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market 23 Place

Video Conferencing and Conference Calls 4.41 In addition the use of video conferencing and conference calls will be promoted to all employees. These facilities will also be available to those hosting meetings at the facility.

Personalised journey planning 4.42 A focussed personalised journey planning project will be undertaken with new employees. When people move house or change jobs, they are most susceptible to changes in their routine and hence undertaking the project at this time provides the ideal opportunity to influence future travel behaviour, contributing to the overall sustainability of the development in the long term. This exercise will be undertaken with employees transferring from existing sites prior to their transfer, and with new employees within the first three months of their start date.

4.43 Journey planning projects will also be carried out at three monthly intervals targeting visitors. This will include the TPC or a selected representative being located within the foyer and meeting visitors as they arrive. Visitors will be given the opportunity to discuss their travel arrangements and will be provided with information as appropriate.

Sustainable Travel Information Point 4.44 A travel information point will be established in the reception area of the New Central Library. This is likely to be to in the form of notice boards and will contain sustainable travel information and maps, for example bus route plans, bus timetables and walking and cycle route maps.

4.45 The TPC will investigate the provision of a Nexus Information Station within the Foyer. This will provide access to all sustainable travel timetables and maps provided by Nexus. In addition it will include access to real time passenger information.

4.46 The public computers within the building will have themed home pages on the computers and links will be posted to all available sustainable travel information.

National Events 4.47 The TPC will undertake at least one focused travel awareness event at the site per year which may be linked with national events. These could be tied in with events being undertaken by others e.g. in partnership with schools as part of the OpenZone activities. Potential events, the months they occur and links to available data are outlined below:

Table 4.2 Sustainable Travel Events

Month Event Website

March The Bid Pedal Nationwide event run by Sustrans to www.bigpedal.org.uk encourage children to cycle Climate Week Highlighting positive steps to combat climate www.climateweek.com change in workplaces and communities May National Living Streets encourage people to take to www.livingstreets.org.u Walking Month their feet and feel the benefits of walking. k/walk-with-us Work Wise Raising awareness about smarter working www.workwiseuk.org/w Week amongst employees and employers. orkwiseweek/ Green Office Helping the environment in practical ways, www.greenofficeweek. Week including transport, energy and waste. eu Walk to Work Encouraging people to walk to work, to www.walktoworkweek. Week monitor distance and the calories they burn. org.uk/

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National Work promoting benefits of home working to both www.workwiseuk.org/w from Home Day individuals, businesses and the environment. orkwiseweek/ Walk to School Awareness raising week aimed at promoting www.livingstreets.org.u Week the benefits of walking to school. k/walk-with-us June Environment Day for environmental action to encourage www.unep.org/wed/ Day support for sustainable development.

Green To raise awareness of impact travel has on www.etatrust.org.uk/ca Transport Week the environment and way people travel mpaign Bike Week Promoting cycling and showing how cycling www.bikeweek.org.uk can easily be part of everyday life. National Ride to Raising awareness about the benefits of using www.ridetowork.org.uk Work Day UK motorcycles/scooters to commute to work Feel Good Raising awareness about stress in the www.feelgoodfriday.org Friday workplace, encouraging people to take better care of their emotional well-being. Septem European European festival promoting environmentally www.mobilityweek.eu/ ber Mobility Week sensitive transport In Town Annual event which sees cities across Europe www.etatrust.org.uk/ca Without My Car highlight the positive effects of car free travel mpaign/car-free-day/ October National Encouraging people to join liftshare network to www.liftshare.com/busi Liftshare Week save money & cut carbon footprint ness International Month long awareness raising event where www.livingstreets.org.u Walk to School schools across the world join forces to k/walk-with-us/walk-to- Month promote walking to school school Novem Commute Raising awareness of smart working practices www.workwiseuk.org/c ber Smart Week to avoid commuting in winter months ommutesmartweek/ UK Road Safety Annual event aimed at inspiring people to www.roadsafetyweek.o Week promote road safety within their community. rg.uk

4.48 These events will be supported by themed ‘books of the week’ displayed at prominent locations within the library and foyer area. These could be picture books, reference type books, biographies or factual books.

4.49 Leaflets documenting sustainable travel information will be distributed to users in support of promotions e.g. during bike week. This will take the form of book marks or leaflets included in books when they are checked out.

4.50 Events will be supported by a programme of journey planning exercises within the New Central Library. This will include inviting representatives of Sustrans, Living Streets, NHS health groups etc to man displays within the foyer and meeting visitors as they arrive. Visitors will be given the opportunity to discuss their travel arrangements and general health issues as they arrive.

4.51 This will be supported by a series of talks held within communal areas or the meeting room discussing issues such as climate change, energy saving, mobility etc.

4.52 The Cafe facility could run supporting campaigns alongside these events. A common practice at many public buildings is the offer of a free or discounted breakfast for those that have cycled to work on a selected day within Bike Week.

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market 25 Place

Exhibition Space 4.53 The New Central Library will host exhibitions that will change throughout the year. These exhibitions have the potential to attract additional visitors to the facility. Encouragement to travel by sustainable modes will be achieved in a number of ways:

 The first time people visit the exhibition they will be asked to register an email address and become a member or friend. They will then be on a mailing list to receive programmes of future exhibitions, events and activities. This will be supplemented by sustainable travel information;

 As with other council events, exhibitions will be advertised in the local press and council publications. This will be supplemented by sustainable travel information;

 Exhibitions will be advertised across the borough and in particular within the town centre. For example, advertisement of future exhibitions and events will be displayed in the proposed transport interchange and in other public transport facilities e.g. Chichester and the metro stations. Emphasis will be placed on the exhibitions being accessible from those locations. OpenZone 4.54 This Open Zone facility offers a variety of activities, which, principally are for school pupils, but which can be opened up to the wider community as part of the flexibility within The New Central Library. It combines IT facilities with open study/learning space and a media studio for film and sound.

4.55 The OpenZone will primarily be served by organised coach parties.

4.56 Representatives from OpenZone will be involved in the development of a programme of events and exhibitions at the New Central Library. They will therefore consider how they can tailor their activities to tie in with these events. This could include activities about the environment, health and accessibility.

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5 Objectives and Monitoring 5.1 There is a need to monitor the success of a travel plan for a number of reasons:

 It gauges as to whether the existing objectives are being achieved;

 It helps to identify strengths, weaknesses and potential areas for improvement in future travel planning; and

 There is also a general need to collect data measuring the impacts and outcomes of travel plans so that there is clearer evidence for local authorities and other Government bodies on their success.

Key Objectives 5.2 The key objectives of the Travel Plan are to:

 To reduce the number of single occupancy car trips to and from the site;

 Increase the number of staff and visitors using sustainable forms of transport to and from the site; and

 Increase staff and visitor awareness of the Travel Plan and the use of sustainable modes. 5.3 The Coordinator will be in place six months prior to occupation of the development and therefore a substantial number of initiatives will be in place or under investigation. The Travel Plan will therefore be effective from first occupation.

5.4 As the travel plan develops and travel patterns to the site become more apparent, additional objectives (such as to improve safety or accessibility) may be added by the Travel Plan Co- ordinator to address specific travel problems that may arise.

5.5 Success against the objectives will be monitored using:

 Travel questionnaires; and

 Recorded take up of travel plan incentives

Monitoring Devices Travel Questionnaire 5.6 A travel survey of all employees will be undertaken within six months of first occupation of the building, and will be used to establish base line travel patterns for the development.

5.7 The survey will be carried out on an annual basis with the first being undertaken six months after occupation. Through the information gathered it will be possible to measure success against all three objectives of the plan. In addition, the survey response rate will provide a measure of respondents’ awareness of the travel plan, with an increase in the response rate illustrating an increase in awareness of the plan. Analysis of the results will form part of an annual Travel Plan summary report, which will be shared with South Tyneside Council. This report will be submitted within two months of the aforementioned surveys beings undertaken.

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market 27 Place

iTRACE Tyne & Wear 5.8 It is proposed to use iTRACE for monitoring purposes. iTRACE is a centralised software suite designed to monitor and report on the performance of Workplace Travel Plans, offering quicker, easier Travel Planning, Assessment, Auditing and Forecasting. The use of iTRACE is supported by the Tyne and Wear Local Authorities and by the Highways Agency. iTRACE offers the following:

 Sophisticated mapping & database technology

 Fast & simple access to information including adding and editing details

 Geo-location of organisations on a map

 Easy attachment of documents & related data to sites

 Predefined reports

 Analysis of individual Travel Plans against targets, planning conditions and obligations

 Online Site Audits

 Online or paper based staff surveys

 A Standard methodology

 Draft Travel Plan Reports automatically 5.9 By ensuring that a robust, standardised approach is applied to the whole Travel Plan process, iTRACE allows for easy comparisons on Travel Plan data from year to year, and from one organisation to the next.

The role of the Travel Plan Co-ordinator in monitoring the travel plan 5.10 The Travel Plan Co-ordinator will be principally responsible for the monitoring of the travel plan. Key tasks to be undertaken include:

 Ensuring that the development undertakes employee travel surveys within six months of first occupation to establish baseline travel patterns;

 Preparing a baseline travel summary report;

 Preparing an action plan detailing the short, medium and long term measures to be implemented to achieve travel plan objectives;

 Undertaking subsequent travel and traffic surveys alongside employers;

 Preparing an annual report summarising travel information, key problems and opportunities identified, and the success of the travel plan in relation to its objectives;

 Reassessing travel plan objectives and targets and the measures action plan year-on-year based upon annual surveys; and

 Relaying the information back to the local authority as an example of the effectiveness of travel plans.

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6 Targets

Targets 6.1 Targets provide the basis against which the effectiveness of the Travel Plan and its measures can be monitored. The Travel Plan will aim to reduce car journeys to the site and increase use of sustainable modes of travel. Targets include:

 Modal split targets (percentage of staff and visitors travelling by each mode);

 Travel Survey response rate targets; and

 Awareness of the travel plan. Modal Split Targets 6.2 Through the implementation of travel planning measures, it is anticipated that the employees and visitors are able to access the site using sustainable modes from the very start, thereby reducing the impact of the development on the road network.

Staff Targets 6.3 An analysis of the Journey to Work Census Data 2001 has been undertaken in order to calculate the likely mode shift for staff accessing the site. Table 6.1 shows the anticipated modal splits associated with the development.

Table 6.1 Existing modal splits (Journey to Work Census Data 2001)

Car Public Work from Car Walk Cycle Share Transport Home

Existing Modal Splits 43.3% 4.6% 41.0% 6.4% 1.7% 0.9%

6.4 It is imperative that surveys for the site are undertaken to establish initial site specific modal splits.

Visitors Targets 6.5 The TRICs database was used to determine an initial modal split for visitors. The analysis has been based on the same library sites as used in the Transport Assessment. The filtering process therefore includes sites that are:

 Either town centre of edge of town centre location;

 Frequent public transport available. 6.6 Modal splits are shown Table 6.2. Full TRICs output data can be seen in Appendix C of the accompanying Transport Assessment.

Table 6.2 Modal splits based on TRICs

Model Modal split from TRICs Rationalised modal split

Vehicle Occupants 16.2% 48.8% Multi-Occupancy 32.6% Public transport 10.7% Cyclist 1.2% 51.2% Pedestrian 39.3%

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market 29 Place

6.7 The TRICs analysis groups vehicle occupants into one category. The national travel survey (2012) has therefore been used to establish car occupancy by trip purpose. This identifies average vehicle occupancy for Leisure trips of 1.7. The modal split has therefore been rationalised into single and multi-occupancy using this rate.

6.8 The TRICs analysis shows a high proportion of pedestrians accessing the site. Given the relatively small number of residential properties within walking distance of the New Central Library this is considered to be high. It is thought that the South Shields site will encourage more trips by public transport, therefore the target modal splits were rationalised by grouping all sustainable modes together.

6.9 It is considered that this difference could be due to the segregation of trips into single purpose trips and linked trips as discussed above. Also the inaccuracy in the identification of the main mode of travel as opposed to the method to actually access the library. It is therefore imperative that travel surveys for the site are undertaken to establish initial site specific modal splits.

6.10 To allow direct comparison, the modal splits for both staff and visitors have been rationalised and are identified in Table 6.3.

Table 6.3 Anticipated Staff and Visitor Modal Splits

User Single Occupancy Car Share Sustainable Travel

Staff 43.3% 4.6% 52.1% Visitors 16.2% 32.6% 51.2%

6.11 A modest modal shift target is considered reasonable given the low proportion of travel by single occupancy vehicles and the high proportion of travel by sustainable modes. Table 6.4 shows the change in mode share to be adopted as a result of the travel plan measures for the development.

Table 6.4 Change in mode share as a result of travel plan measures

REDUCTIONS IN SINGLE OCCUPANCY VEHICLE TRIPS ACHIEVED BY:

Target Increase Measures Staff Visitors

General: Appointment of Travel Plan Coordinator & Steering Group Proximity to local services and facilities Proximity to Bus / Metro Interchange Proximity to strategic cycle network Contribute to increases seen Restricted car parking provision below Website to include travel information / links to promote sustainable travel Promote use of video conferencing and conference calls Welcome packs for staff Personalised journey planning project

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Car Sharing: Join and promote sharesmarter.co.uk 1% 1% Investigate links with large employers Public Transport: 2% 1% Negotiate discounted travel tickets with Nexus Walk: High quality pedestrian environment in proximity to the 1% 0.5% development Showers and storage lockers provided on site Cycle: Provision of covered cycle spaces Showers and storage lockers provided on site 1% 0.5% Cycle to Work Scheme developed Undertake annual promotion event e.g. Bike Week

6.12 Table 6.5 provides the proposed modal splits, taking into account the travel plan measures to be implemented.

Table 6.5 Proposed modal splits 6 months after implementation of the travel plan

Single User Car Share Sustainable Travel Occupancy

Staff 38.3% 5.6% 56.1% Visitors 13.2% 33.6% 53.2% Further Mode Split Targets 6.13 In addition to the initial measures to be implemented prior to the opening of the development, the Travel Plan Co-ordinator will be responsible for the ongoing promotion of the travel plan, including updating travel information and organising travel awareness events. Through this commitment to sustainable travel, it is hoped that car based trips to the site will be further reduced each year.

6.14 Given the low proportion of travel by single occupancy vehicles and the high proportion of travel by sustainable modes, a realistic mode split target needs to be set. Hence, when the proposed modal split targets have been achieved, a further target for the reduction in single occupancy trips by staff will be 1% each year.

6.15 A second survey will be conducted 18 months after opening (one year after the initial full occupation survey) in order to gauge whether the travel plan is achieving these targets. The results of these surveys will be shared with South Tyneside Council, and if targets are not being met, the Travel Plan Co-ordinator will work alongside staff and partners to identify and implement appropriate corrective measures.

Response Rate Target 6.16 For the initial survey, the TPC should aim to receive a completed survey from at least 50% of staff. The aim should be to improve upon this response rate each year.

6.17 In terms of surveying visitors, it is considered that a sample week long survey should be undertaken with an initial target of receiving a completed survey from at least 200 visitors. The surveys should be advertised in the reception and paper copies of the questionnaire should be handed out to visitors.

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market 31 Place

Awareness of the Travel Plan 6.18 There will be a question included in the travel survey to find out whether employees and visitors are aware of the travel plan. In the first instance the target will be for 50% of staff and visitors to be aware of the travel plan.

Target Summary 6.19 A summary of the proposed targets along with how and when they will be monitored is presented in Table 6.6.

Table 6.6 Target Summary

Monitoring Target Timescale method

Appoint Travel Plan Coordinator N/A Prior to first occupation To establish the baseline modal split stated Travel survey Six months after occupation in Table 6.3 and amend as appropriate Eighteen months after To achieve the modal split targets Travel survey occupation and subsequent annual surveys To achieve a response rate of 50% for staff Six months after occupation and Travel survey travel surveys subsequent annual surveys To receive 200 completed travel survey Six months after occupation and Travel survey questionnaires from visitors subsequent annual surveys

6.20 This is a live document and targets will be reviewed and discussed with South Tyneside Council as appropriate.

Page Job No Report No Issue no Report Name 32 NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market Place

7 Summary 7.1 The development site is well served by public transport and has a suitable infrastructure in place for access on foot and by bicycle. The modal splits indicate that the site should have a high sustainable modal split due to its location.

7.2 The Travel Plan has been set up to meet the following objectives:

 To reduce the number of single occupancy car trips to and from the site;

 Increase the number of staff and visitors using sustainable forms of transport to and from the site; and

 Increase staff and visitor awareness of the Travel Plan and the use of sustainable modes. 7.3 The Travel Plan has set out targets to establish a baseline modal split which is considered to be realistic. Should this be achieved further vehicle reduction targets will be set.

7.4 A number of measures have been put forward and will be implemented from first occupation relating to information and promotion, cycling, public transport use, walking, car sharing and car park management.

7.5 The overarching targets of the Travel Plan are:

 To ensure that the modal splits are achieved;

 To maintain a high response rate on the questionnaires;

 To reduce single occupancy car trips in line with targets;

 To increase the take up of the travel plan indicatives year on year; and

 To ensure that the Travel Plan is kept up to date, that the measures are realistic and achievable and in line with the survey results and that awareness of the travel plan is raised. 7.6 Specific targets are stated in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1 Target Summary

Monitoring Target Timescale method

Appoint Travel Plan Coordinator N/A Prior to first occupation To establish the baseline modal split stated Travel survey Six months after occupation in Table 6.3 and amend as appropriate Eighteen months after To achieve the modal split targets Travel survey occupation and subsequent annual surveys To achieve a response rate of 50% for staff Six months after occupation and Travel survey travel surveys subsequent annual surveys To receive 200 completed travel survey Six months after occupation and Travel survey questionnaires from visitors subsequent annual surveys

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market 33 Place

Appendix A

Travel Plan Questionnaire

Job No Report No Issue no Report Name Page NEA1239 1 3 New Central Library & Digital Media Centre and Market A1 Place

Staff Travel Survey

Central Library and Digital Media Centre

1) How did you travel to work today? Please tick your main mode of travel only

Tick ONE only Walk (does not include to and from bus stop or car) Cycle Bus Metro Train Motorbike / moped Car (as driver) Car (as passenger) Ferry Taxi Other (please specify)…………………………………………......

2) Why do you use this mode of travel? Please tick up to 4 boxes only

Tick Convenience Cost Environmental reasons Health reasons (disability) Health reasons (fitness) Dropping off / collecting / other commitments to friends or family Time savings Availability Personal safety Other (please specify)………………………………………………..

3) If you arrived by car, where did you park?

Tick Staff car park Public car park On-street parking

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Other (please specify) ………………………………………………………………….

4) Are you aware of the site Travel Plan? Please circle: Yes No If you answered no, the Travel Plan promotes sustainable and healthy modes of travel, by offering a range of incentives and benefits to people who travel to the site on foot, by bicycle or by public transport (bus, train or Metro).

5) Have you taken advantage of any of the Travel Plan measures?

Tick Personalised Travel Plans Season ticket loans Car share groups Information pack Free bike loan No, I haven’t used any of the measures because……………………………...... ……………………………………………………………………………………………...

6) Which of the following measures would encourage you to use public transport to work?

Tick Subsidised / discounted fares More travel information on routes, times and fares at work More secure / better quality waiting areas Better pedestrian links to bus stops More frequent services Other (please specify) ………………………………………………………………… Nothing would encourage me to use public transport to work because…...... …………………………………………………………………………………………....

7) Which of the following measures would encourage you to walk to work?

Tick Safer crossing facilities Improved lighting / security More locker facilities at work Improved shower / changing facilities for staff Other (please specify) ………………………………………………………………… Nothing would encourage me to walk to work because…......

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8) Which of the following measures would encourage you to cycle to work?

Tick Information on cycle routes and location of facilities More / secure cycle parking More lockers and locker facilities at work Improved shower / changing facilities for staff Discounts / loans for purchase of cycles and equipment Advice or training on riding skills Other (please specify) ………………………………………………………………… Nothing would encourage me to cycle to work because…...... …………………………………………………………………………………………....

9) Which of the following measures would encourage you to car share to work?

Tick Help in finding car share partners with similar work patterns Free taxi home if let down by car driver Other (please specify) ………………………………………………………………… Nothing would encourage me to car share because……...... …………………………………………………………………………………………....

10) Have you visited the Travel Plan page on the website? Please circle: Yes No

11) If you answered ‘Yes’ to Q10, did you find the Travel Plan page useful? Please circle: Yes No

12) What is your full home postcode? (This is for mapping purposes only and will not be used to contact or identify anyone or for any other purpose).

13) Please indicate your age. Please circle: Under 25 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

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14) Please indicate your gender. Please circle: Male Female

THANK YOU FOR TAKING PART IN THIS SURVEY

If you would like more information on the Travel Plan and the benefits it could offer you, please contact the Travel Plan Co-ordinator:

Name:

Email:

Telephone:

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Visitor Travel Survey

Central Library & Digital Media Centre

1) How did you travel to the Hub today? Please tick your main mode of travel only

Tick ONE only Walk (does not include to and from bus stop or car) Cycle Bus Metro Train Motorbike / moped Car (as driver) Car (as passenger) Ferry Taxi Other (please specify)

2) If you arrived by car, where did you park?

Tick Public off-street car park Public on-street parking Private Car Park Other (please specify) ………………………………………………

3) Are you aware of the site Travel Plan? Please circle: Yes No If you answered no, the Travel Plan promotes sustainable and healthy modes of travel, by offering a range of incentives and benefits to people who travel to the site on foot, by bicycle or by public transport (bus, train or Metro).

4) Have you taken advantage of any of the Travel Plan measures? Yes, I have used ......

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No, I haven’t used any of the measures because……………………………...... ……………………………………………………………………………………………...

5) Are there any other measures that would help you travel by sustainable modes?

Tick More information Help in planning my journey More / better cycle parking Improved public transport services Nothing Other (please specify) ……………………………………….

6) Have you visited the Travel Plan page of the Hub website? Please circle: Yes No

7) If you answered ‘Yes’ to Q6, did you find the Travel Plan page useful? Please circle: Yes No

8) What is your full home postcode? (This is for mapping purposes only and will not be used to contact or identify anyone or for any other purpose).

9) Please indicate your age. Please circle: Under 25 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

10) Please indicate your gender. Please circle: Male Female

THANK YOU FOR TAKING PART IN THIS SURVEY

If you would like more information on the Travel Plan and the benefits it could offer you, contact the Travel Plan Co-ordinator: Name: Email: Telephone:

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