Member Article

South Shields market on the move as 365 plan continues improvements

The much loved South Shields market will undergo a temporary relocation as part of the 365 Town Centre regeneration programme.

The South Shields 365 plan proposes a radical town centre redevelopment with a new retail quarter, cinema, library, and leisure facilities as well as a quality hotel and new housing.

Landscaping works to the northern half of the market are now complete and the market will move to the newly finished section while works to the southern end get underway.

The market will be held in the southern section where it is currently on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2015. From Monday 28 September the market will move over to the northern section where market traders and shoppers will be able to experience the new overhead canopy.

Councillor John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: “Transferring the market from one end to the other marks another important milestone in the South Shields 365 Town Centre regeneration project which is aimed at improving the economic prosperity of South Shields. The improvements will drive footfall into the town centre and King Street which will benefit new and existing businesses.

“South Shields has a long and proud tradition of market trading dating back more than 200 years and the market place is central to the town’s unique offer. The works will also give us the opportunity to grow the market and attract additional visitors and types of market, building on the success of the craft fairs held elsewhere in the Borough.”

David Wells, Regional Director at Muse Developments, added, “Whilst there’s no doubt that construction of the Word will grab most of the headlines and people’s attention, the transformation of the Market Place is equally important to many, especially the traders and shoppers of South Shields, so the completion of the first half of the Market Place is an important step and gives a first glimpse at how impressive the whole scheme is going to be.”

It is anticipated that the southern section will be finished early in 2016. Future work will re-connect the Market Place with St Hilda’s Church.