Although originally a terminus station, the line was extended to Tynemouth in 1847, by the digging of a tunnel under North Shields.

[2] The original station buildings were replaced by the North Eastern Railway in 1890, by new booking offices constructed over the platforms.

Nexus drew up plans to replace it with facilities which would provide "a visually striking new gateway to the town centre".

[5][6] The new station was fully completed in September 2012, with changes including passenger lifts, wave-shaped canopies for each platform, and a new black, white and blue colour scheme.

The station is equipped with ticket machines, sheltered waiting area, seating, next train information displays, timetable posters, and an emergency help point on both platforms.