Fancy taking on this South Shields seafront site? Search on for entrepreneur to transform pier-side plot into new attraction

The Watchman’s Tower and adjoining Pier Head Yard next to South Shields pier is on the market with hopes someone can transform it into a business to bring in more visitors.

South Tyneside Council has tasked North East retail consultancy @retail to seek expressions of interest with a view to it being used as a leisure site to boost the area as a staycation destination.

A deadline of Monday, November 2, has been set for anyone interested in submitting a bid for the building and adjoining brownfield yard, which could be used as a wider redevelopment project – no part of the neighbouring car park is included in the plot.

The particulars set out how it benefits from “stunning panoramic views” of Littlehaven Beach and the Tyne estuary, with a lookout on its flat roof, as well as its location close to Haven Point, The Dunes, Ocean Beach and Westovian Theatre.

It has previously been used by the Port of Tyne to monitor the river and as a restaurant.

The council has said it does not want it to become a home and will retain the freehold, but says a “range of leasehold structures may be available.”

Councillor John Anglin, lead member for regeneration and economy, said: “Over the last decade we have completely transformed South Shields seafront, with significant investment in state-of-the-art leisure facilities, such as Haven Point leisure complex as well as Littlehaven Promenade improvements and public realm works to strengthen the links between Sandhaven and Littlehaven beaches.

"The wealth of regeneration work has not only helped to create a vibrant and attractive public space but has also created an environment for private sector investment.

“With its unique location and spectacular views over Littlehaven and the mouth of Tyne, the development of the Pier Watchman’s building and yard provides us with an exciting opportunity to enhance the foreshore even further and to boost the leisure offer for the benefit of both residents and visitors alike.

“It is important that any new scheme complements our stunning seafront area and helps to increase visitor numbers to support our efforts to make South Shields the region’s number one coastal resort.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing what developers and entrepreneurs come up with for this particular site.”

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