Barrage plan to regenerate area

Peter McIntyre says there have been similar successful projects

Plans to breathe new life into an historic area of Tyneside have been unveiled.

A project to build a tidal barrage on the Ouseburn River in Newcastle aims to create a canal-style environment by retaining a constant high-water level against the flow of the incoming tide.

The aim is that the scheme will regenerate the Ouseburn Valley, which lies between Jesmond Dene and the Tyne River bend.

Regeneration co-ordinator Peter McIntyre said: "The use of a barrage to create these canal-side environments is something that has been done to great effect in cities across Europe, and on a local level the construction of the barrage bridge across the River Tees was a great success.

"Here we are looking at something on a much smaller level but equally important as it will be a significant step towards the regeneration of the Ouseburn Valley."

Tall Ships

Detailed proposals for the barrage were put forward by Entec UK Ltd Environmental Engineering Consultants.

The Ouseburn Trust originally commissioned a study by the company to find out how the river could be enhanced and measure the environmental impact of any changes.

The planned location for the barrage is below Glasshouse Bridge along the East Quayside and the design will be chosen from a shortlist of four artists' ideas.

A project officer has been appointed and the work is due to be completed by early 2005 before the Tall Ships Race comes to Newcastle.