GATESHEAD International Stadium has been recognised for efforts to encourage its 400,000 visitors a year to get there in an environmentally-friendly way.

Gateshead Stadium station is on the Tyne and Wear Metro system operated by Nexus, which promotes travel planning alongside five local authorities.

Run by Gateshead Council and home of Gateshead College Academy for Sport and the English Institute of Sport UK, the stadium has achieved a travel planning award for helping staff, students, athletes and visitors to find new and greener ways to get to the site for work, study and sports activities.

The Bronze Award has been achieved through the Travel Plan Accreditation Scheme, open to all businesses and public organisations throughout Tyne and Wear. 

Gateshead Council cabinet member for transport John McElroy said: “This latest award recognises our success in encouraging people to consider alternatives to the car, improving their health in the process and the health of the planet.”

“The work done at Gates-head International Stadium shows just how far organisations can go to encourage sustainable travel – whether they are private companies, public bodies or leading attractions,” said Stephen Psallidas, smarter Choices manager for Nexus.