South Shields town centre is undergoing a major transformation as work begins on a £95 million regeneration project to relocate South Tyneside College and the South Shields Marine School to a new, purpose-built campus in the heart of the town.

Construction is now underway on the 15,000 sqm education hub, marking a key milestone in South Tyneside Council's wider regeneration strategy. The new campus, located near King Street, will replace the college’s current site at Westoe and is expected to welcome its first students in September 2027.

The project, a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, is being delivered by Castle, an award-winning construction firm based in Hebburn. Funding comes from Tyne Coast College, the North East Combined Authority, the Department for Education and the UK Government.

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Public support for the relocation has been strong. In a consultation by the council, over 80% of respondents backed the move, citing benefits such as increased footfall and economic activity to support both new and existing businesses.

Alongside the main campus, the development will also feature a 125-bed student accommodation block overlooking the River Tyne, and the refurbishment of a listed building to provide offices and staff facilities.

The campus will include a double-height glass atrium accessed from King Street, with a second entrance along Barrington Street.

Local leaders and project partners said the development will bring long-term benefits to the area, enhancing education and training opportunities while helping to revitalise the town centre economy. The scheme is also set to support key sectors such as the region's expanding green economy.

The student accommodation application is currently under consideration, with work on that phase expected to begin later this summer.

The project is one of several initiatives backed by the £18.2 million investment from the North East Combined Authority to boost local high streets and town centres.