Partner Article

Colmans break ground on new coastal attraction

A ‘coastal village’ set to further transform the South Shields seafront has moved one step closer after developers moved in to prepare the site.

Work has begun to create an exciting new community hub on land adjacent to Colmans Seafood Temple on South Promenade.

And it is hoped the multi-use leisure and retail destination will be open by spring 2027 with a number of prestigious independent local traders already agreeing deals to open outlets from day one.

Operated by South Shields-based Colmans — the family-run firm famous for its award-winning fish and chips — the coastal village will be open year-round and feature a series of special seasonal events.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to support a like-minded community of small businesses and bring something a little bit different to South Promenade,” said Richard Colman Ord, director of Colmans Hospitality Group.

“It feels like starting work on our coastal village has been a long time coming but it’s exciting to see work finally getting underway.

“There’s a real buzz around the development and we’ve been blown away by the interest from local, independent traders keen to work alongside us and breathe new life into land that’s been dormant for far too long.

“The seafront at South Shields is already a favourite destination for families from across the North East and the coastal village will be another reason for spending a special day out on the coast.

“Colmans has been at the heart of the local community for 100 years and breaking ground on the coastal village is another landmark moment in our centenary year.

Plans approved earlier this year include provision for 20 beach huts, retail pods, offices and event space.

The coast-facing beach huts will be available for daily rental while the retail spaces are being offered for hire on a first come, first served basis.

Ryan Doyle, Operations Director at BDN, added: "It's great to see work now underway on a project that will further enhance one of the North East's most popular coastal destinations.

“Having previously worked with the Colmans team on the restoration of the Seafood Temple, we're delighted to be supporting them again on this exciting development.

Colmans’ ambitious plans for South Promenade reflect a period of sustained growth driven by co-directors Richard and brother Dom.

Earlier this year the pair announced plans to launch the Colmans Foundation and in May they acquired the Village Café in Whitburn.

Last year the family opened its first restaurant north of the Tyne with its popular Fenwick base now a permanent fixture within Newcastle’s vibrant foodie scene.

“It’s 100 years since we opened Colmans on Ocean Road and we always intended our centenary year to be special,” added Dom.

“The opportunities are coming thick and fast but we’re in the fortunate position where we can make a positive impact on the place we’ve always called home.

“There’s an incredible amount of work going on behind the scenes right now as we look to develop various projects.

“But we’re surrounded by a committed team who we trust implicitly.

“Everyone’s excited to see work start on the coastal village — it has the potential to be another jewel in the crown for South Shields.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Rushworth .