Plans to relocate South Tyneside College to South Shields town centre praised by readers

Tyne Coast College confirmed this week that it is working with South Tyneside council and the borough’s MPs on the relocation bid.

The move would help create state-of-the-art new facilities for students and help breathe new life into the struggling town centre, which has seen a series of major store closures in recent years.

Planning chiefs have stressed that the campus relocation scheme is still at an early stage. It forms part of a wider multi-million pound central government funding bid.

The project has the backing of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, the region’s chamber of commerce and a number of local businesses.

Gazette readers largely gave a thumbs up to the plans, which are still in their infancy, on our Facebook page.

They praised the “positive move” to create extra footfall in the town centre and the benefit of being well linked with public transport.

The project, if successful, is expected to bring thousands of students into the heart of the town centre.

This is what you said on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Paul Wann: "That’s a very positive move for the town centre, creating extra footfall and a foundation to build things around.”

Stephanie Mohan: “Brilliant move. Let's hope it goes ahead quickly and brings some much needed footfall to the town centre.”

Neil James Joseph Todd: “This is the most-forward thinking move in years.”

Sherrie McKean: "This is a great idea. A college in the town centre will make travelling easier for students with the interchange, increase income for local retailers and free up prime building land for housing.

"Hoping this plan attracts the funding to make it happen.

Gary Wilkin: “Sounds great. Best of luck with the funding bid.”

Joanne Battenbo: “Part of Stockton and Teeside University was part of the refurbishment near the town centre and along the river. It looks great and fits in well.”

David Birchall: “Should be doing projects to get more tourists to the area.”

Craig McCombie: “It's so good to see most of the people commenting are positive and in agreement. This is good news.”

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