Work starts on new coastal village in South Shields with celebrated Sunderland developer at the helm

Celebrated Sunderland developers behind a Wearside success story are now set to help transform the seafront at South Shields.

Work has begun to create a new community hub ‘coastal village’ on land adjacent to Colmans Seafood Temple on South Promenade.

Sunderland-based BDN, who are behind the impressive transformation of Sheepfolds Stables, worked with the Colman family on their sympathetic transformation of Gandhi’s Temple into one of the region’s best seafront restaurants.

Now, the architecture and engineering firm is working with the Colmans on their ambitious coastal village plans.

Plans were approved earlier this year for the development, operated by the Colmans, which includes provision for 20 beach huts, retail pods, offices and event space.

It’s 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.

“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.”

Once complete, 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 food 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.”