Newcastle’s Labour Council has taken another step towards creating a cleaner, greener city with the installation of the city’s first bee-friendly bus shelter.
Working in partnership with Clear Channel UK, the Labour administration has introduced the innovative ‘Living Roof’ bus shelter on Stamfordham Road, near St James’ Retail Park, as part of its commitment to tackling climate change and boosting biodiversity across Newcastle.
Constructed from sustainable materials, the shelter features a specially designed living roof planted with a mix of wildflowers and sedum, creating an important habitat and food source for bees and other pollinating insects.
The environmentally friendly shelters, often known as Bee Bus Stops, also help absorb rainwater, reduce surface water runoff and filter harmful particulates from the air, improving the local environment while bringing more greenery into urban neighbourhoods.
The project is part of Labour’s wider programme of investment to create healthier communities, improve public spaces and deliver on the council’s ambition for Newcastle to become a net zero city by 2030.
Labour Councillor Marion Williams, Cabinet Member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see Newcastle’s first bee-friendly bus shelter installed as part of our partnership with Clear Channel UK.
“This innovative shelter will help support biodiversity, improve climate resilience and is another practical step towards achieving our ambition of becoming a net zero city by 2030.
“Labour is committed to creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Newcastle for everyone, and projects like this show how even everyday infrastructure can play a role in improving our environment.”
Following the successful installation of the first Living Roof bus shelter, the Labour Council is now exploring opportunities to roll out more across Newcastle, helping to create greener streets, support wildlife and build a more sustainable city for future generations.