Work has commenced on a regeneration scheme to revitalise derelict dockland in South Tyneside.

The project at Holborn, South Shields, will transform the former brownfield site and disused docks into a thriving riverside quarter.

Work is beginning on Phase 1 of the residential element of the scheme, in tandem with civil engineering works which will prepare the wider nine-hectare site for future development.

Phase 1 will consist of 48 family homes. Later phases will bring around 300 further one to four-bedroomed homes and apartments, delivered by Keepmoat Homes, working in partnership with Cussins. To help meet local need, 15% of these will be affordable homes, delivered in partnership with the Bernicia Housing Group.

There will be a new riverside promenade, opening up access along the riverside to new and existing residents, as well as new offices occupying an Enterprise Zone to the north of the site.


Ian Prescott, Land & Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Homes said: "We're delighted to start delivering the £62m residential element of this project in partnership with the Council and Cussins Homes.

"As well as providing over 300 new homes to the area, of which 15% will be affordable, the project will both create and safeguard around 1,500 construction jobs as part of our commitment to create a sustainable community.

"We have also pledged support to the local area to help generate training and employment through apprenticeships and work placements which we will deliver throughout the project. The completed scheme will bring in excess of 1,000 new residents into the area which will undoubtedly lead to a welcome boost to businesses in the nearby town centre."

The site bears the hallmarks of its previous heavy industrial use, which are currently constraints to development.

The remediation works will include the installation of a new quay edge wall, re-grading of the site, decontamination of the ground and the raising of the former dry docks to overcome serious flooding issues. Three of the docks will be restored, preserving the area's industrial heritage.

The site, which is currently split level, will be reprofiled to create a gentle slope from Commercial Road to the Tyne, making it more suitable for development.

The remediation work will be carried out in phases, with the ground and maritime improvements being completed in autumn 2023.