Member Article

Plans coming to fruition at £100m South Shields regeneration project

The £100m South Shields town centre regeneration projecthas reached another important milestone, as project team leaders celebrated the topping out of The Word, Phase One’s state-of-the-art library and digital media centre, on Monday 11 January.

Urban regeneration firm Muse Developments, in partnership with South Tyneside Council, is working towards regenerating the town centre with the vision of boosting the local economy and not only improving the visitor experience but also community life in South Shields.

Key project stakeholders including leaders from South Tyneside Council and project contractors, Bowmer and Kirkland, gathered with Muse Developments to celebrate the occasion as the building reached its highest point in a topping out ceremony of The Word, North East Centre for the Written Word.

Matt Crompton, Joint Managing Director of Muse Developments commented, “Today marks an important step in the regeneration of South Shields town centre. The Word will be an iconic, state-of-the-art building that sets the bar for the quality of development and architecture that people of South Tyneside deserve.”

“This is just the first stage of the overall regeneration project that will have a positive impact on residents and everyone who visits the town and we are very proud to be partnering with South Tyneside Council in such a bold scheme.”

The Word development forms part of a phased regeneration scheme jointly funded by Muse Developments and South Tyneside Council and is due to open Autumn 2016.

Councilor Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, added, “It is fantastic to see our plans for this new cultural venue come to fruition. With the exterior now complete, work can now start on kitting out this innovative centre with top-of-the-range equipment, which will attract people from across the region and beyond.”

“We are confident The Word will appeal to residents and visitors of all ages and will help to put South Tyneside on the map as a cultural destination 365 days of the year.”

Phase One of the £100m regeneration project is a part of a 10-year master plan. Work is now complete on improvements to the local Market Place, an integral part of the town’s identity.

The regeneration scheme will improve the town’s public spaces to improve internal and external access and connectivity whilst also respecting the rich urban heritage of the town and includes an ample amount of outdoor seating, tree-lined avenues with new level paving accessible to all.

Andy Kinnear, Bowmer & Kirkland’s Construction Director said, “Bowmer and Kirkland is delighted to be involved in such a prestigious landmark scheme. The building is set to become an iconic feature of the South Shields landscape and we are extremely proud to be involved.”

Phase Two of the regeneration scheme has also been given the green light for a new Transport Interchange in the heart of South Shields town Centre and work is to begin in 2017. The facility will not only make the Town Centre more accessible but also provide a high quality sense of arrival and bring economic benefits to the whole of South Shields.