Unlike neighbouring
Percy Main and
North Shields, which were converted from former
British Rail stations, Smith's Park was purpose-built for the
Tyne and Wear Metro network in the early 1980s. The station is located on the housing estate on which the
Meadow Well Riots took place in 1991. Following the redevelopment of the Meadow Well and Royal Quays area in the early 1990s, the station was renamed Meadow Well in October 1994. The station was refurbished in 2011, along with nearby
Howdon. The refurbishment project involved the installation of white vitreous enamel panels, new seating and lighting, and improved security and accessibility, as well as resurfaced platforms. The station was also painted in to the new black and white corporate colour scheme. Meadow Well is located about from the North Shields International Ferry Terminal, from which a daily ferry service to
Amsterdam IJmuiden operates. The station is also a short walk from the
Royal Quays Outlet Centre, which is just over half a mile to the south of the station. == Facilities ==