NUFC On The Slide

Today saw reports that there are plans to install 'slides' outside of St James' Park to speed up fans as they exit the ground towards St James' Metro Station, as long as the plans are approved of course.

Business improvement company NE1 wants to set up two 'travel accelerators' beside the steps leading to the car park and Metro station. Says the BBC.

They would be similar in design to ones used by commuters at Overvecht railway station in Utrecht, Netherlands.

NE1 said the slides were intended 'to inject some fun' into Newcastle.
'Being playful'

The company has worked with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and with police to ensure the plans adhere to safety controls and regulations.

Adrian Waddell, from NE1, said: 'The slides are intended to inject some fun into the city centre.

'One of the secrets of good urban design is to encourage people to focus on their surroundings, to take note and sometimes also to challenge the views and perceptions of a particular area - the slides will certainly do that.'

Tom Robinson, one of the designers, said: 'Being playful and doing something a little unusual aims to encourage people to spend more time here enjoying the city.

'We want people to ride the slide, then go up the stairs and do it again.'

The slide plans are part of the 'pocket park programme', designed to infuse new life into areas of Newcastle city centre which are neglected or underused.

Other initiatives have included mini-parks and a pop-up beach on the banks of the Tyne.

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