Clearing the Way for College Campus

A relocated college campus is another step closer as demolitions get underway in South Shields town centre.

Work has begun to free up the final sites needed to facilitate South Tyneside College's proposed move from its current Westoe campus.

The former Job Centre on Barrington Street is among the buildings to be cleared, following its move to a new purpose-built centre on Mile End Road.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "These are the last of the demolitions required to assemble the site for the proposed college campus.

"For the last couple of years, we have been focusing our efforts on freeing up land, carrying out demolitions and getting sites 'shovel ready' for redevelopment.

"This is about diversifying the town centre; times have changed and we know we can't rely on traditional retail anymore. Boosting footfall is paramount. Subject to planning pemission,  the relocated College campus will go in the Barrington Street area, bringing thousands of additional people into the town centre.

"Without this type of intervention, redevelopment of many sites is not viable. By doing this and working with partner organisations such as the college we can bring about significant change."

Last year the College secured £20m in funding from Government's FE Capital Transformation Programme to support the move. It is to submit expected to submit a planning application for its new campus in the Spring.

Work, which is being carried out by MGL Demolition, part of MGL Group, is also ongoing along Cornwallis Street and Coronation Street.

Mark Davison, Joint Chief Executive of MGL Group, said: "We are an industry leader in providing safe and responsible demolition services that enable land redevelopment.

"Prior to demolishing the row of two-storey buildings, our team will be undertaking soft strip works and removal of asbestos-containing materials.

"We are pleased to be working in partnership with South Tyneside Council to support the revitalisation of the town centre, which will bring new opportunities and growth for local businesses and residents."

A tender exercise for the demolition of the old Central Library is currently ongoing, with a contractor expected to be appointed in the next few weeks.

Last year the Council held public consultation on the future of the town centre, with its 'South Tyneside Conversation', which received around 1,300 responses.

Cllr Dixon added: "We had a great response to our consultation and we'll shortly be coming back with the feedback.

"Ultimately, we want to create a vibrant town centre where people want to live, work, visit and learn."

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