Historic halls reborn as cultural hotspot

A South Shields-based venue is set to become a focal point for creativity and community.

Ignition at The Venue, on Stanhope Street, has transformed historic buildings into a flexible cultural space for performance, workshops and community events. 

The initiative is led by Tyne and Wear Creative Culture CIC, a non-profit founded by Jill Butler, Samantha Pritchard, Claire Harland and hospitality operator Paul Neary.

Housed in the former Tinkersmiths and Boilershop buildings – once the Royal Assembly Halls, an 18th century music hall turned picture house and nightclub – the venue provides spaces for live music, theatre, comedy, markets and more. 

Central to the venue is ‘The Loft,’ a small-stage performance and workshop area that local community groups, charities and CICs can use free of charge.

“We wanted to create a space that gives artists and performers a platform while bringing something different to South Shields,” said Jill, one of the directors of the Tyne and Wear Creative Culture CIC. 

“This isn’t just a venue; it’s a community project where creativity and opportunity go hand in hand.

“The town used to be so lively, and we’d love to see that again. 

“This building has so much history, and we want to protect that while opening the doors to a whole new generation of performers.”

Jill Butler and Claire Harland, co-founders of Tyne and Wear Creative Culture CIC

Ignition will prioritise young and emerging talent, including musicians, comedians, visual artists, sound engineers and set designers. 

Students from Newcastle University and local creatives are helping design and operate the space, ensuring a professional platform for developing skills and showcasing work.

Paul, one of the venue’s owners, added: “We’re determined to make this a place where new talent can thrive. 

“From students learning sound engineering to young musicians getting their first gig, it’s about nurturing creativity and giving people a stage, whatever their experience level. 

“We’re not here to compete with other venues, we’re here to add something different. 

“It’s about variety, diversity and making sure everyone, from grassroots artists to established acts, has a place to perform in South Shields.”

Future plans include a 1000-capacity live venue, as well as an Everyman-style cinema and a dedicated music hub to host programmes such as Learn Play Perform, offering free workshops for disadvantaged young people. 

Community initiatives such as Felt Nowt CIC will also stage fortnightly comedy shows, with ticket proceeds supporting local charities.

The venue opened softly on August 9, featuring Newcastle United and England legend Peter Beardsley, and has already gained backing from brands including BrewDog, Budweiser and Schweppes. 

As South Shields undergoes a multi-million-pound town centre regeneration, Ignition at The Venue aims to become a central part of the town’s cultural and creative growth.

Councillor Margaret Meling, lead member for economic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, added: “Increasing footfall to the town centre has always been central to our plans. 

“We want to create a vibrant, attractive and sustainable town where people can live, work, study and socialise, and this project really complements that vision.

“This project has so many positives – from bringing buildings back into use to enhancing the town’s leisure offer, creating space for performers to learn their craft while delivering jobs – I can’t wait to see it come to fruition and watch as it thrives and inspires others.

“Amazing things can happen when community-minded people come together and what has been achieved by Tyne and Wear Creative Culture CIC is quite phenomenal.”

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