Plans for the first phase of a £100m regeneration in South Shields have been approved.

The plans were given the go-ahead by South Tyneside Council's planning committee.

Development partners, Muse Developments and South Tyneside Council, have now been given the green light to begin building on Phase One of regeneration plans that will transform South Shields Town centre.

The first phase of development in the £100m '365 Master Plan' will include the construction of a new Central Library and Digital Media Centre, near Ferry Street on the Riverside, as well as improvements to the adjoining Market Place. A new 40-space car park will also be constructed on vacant land on Harton Quays as part of the works.


Following consultation with local residents, businesses and interested parties, the planning application was submitted in June 2014 with a view to transforming South Shields town centre. Work on the new development will begin early in 2015 with the aim of the building being open to the public in the middle of 2016.

Further consultation will take place with businesses and market traders over the next few months in the run up to starting on site. South Tyneside Council's planning committee considered factors such as the local economy, environment, employment opportunities and benefit to the wider community in their decision.

(CD/JP)