The station, designed by architect William Bell, was originally opened by the North Eastern Railway on 7 July 1882.

[4] Owing to falling passenger numbers during the 1960s, as well as rising costs, and the need to renew life expired infrastructure and rolling stock, the Tyneside Electrics network was de-electrified and converted to diesel multiple unit operation in 1967.

Prior to the introduction of through services to St James via Wallsend on 14 November 1982, all trains used the present platform 2.

[6] The survey is used by national and local government, a wide range of individuals and heritage groups to establish the extent of risk and to help assess priorities for action and funding decisions.

[11] The station has two platforms, both of which have ticket machines (which accept cash, card and contactless payment), seating, next train audio and visual displays, timetable and information posters and an emergency help point.