Ferry Street weekend closure postponed due to weather forecast

A road in South Shields that was scheduled for closure this weekend will now remain open because of forecasted high winds.
The new library being constructed in Ferry Street, South Shields.The new library being constructed in Ferry Street, South Shields.
The new library being constructed in Ferry Street, South Shields.

Ferry Street was due to be closed on Saturday and Sunday to allow the tower crane which has been involved in the construction of the town’s new library and digital media centre to be removed.

However, the removal of the crane - used in the building of The Word for the last six months - will now take place the following weekend.

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Now the external structure is complete, the crane will be dismantled and moved off site via Ferry Street which, will be closed from 5.30am on Saturday, January 30, until 6pm on Sunday, January 31.

The Word - the North East Centre for the Written Word - forms the centrepiece of the first phase of a £100million regeneration plan for South Shields town centre in a joint scheme by Muse Developments and South Tyneside Council.

Coun John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: “The removal of the crane marks another significant milestone in the development of this project which is right on schedule.

“The next phase is to fit out this innovative centre with the latest cutting-edge equipment which will draw people from the region and beyond and enhance the town’s appeal as a cultural and leisure destination.”

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When it opens this Autumn, The Word will boast an impressive range of facilities including exhibition space, a computer gaming area, design and innovation studio with 3D printers, digitised archives, meeting rooms, children's immersive storytelling area, OpenZone IT suite, café and a rooftop restaurant and terrace providing stunning views over the river.

The construction works are being delivered by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland through their regional office in Houghton Le Spring, and they have a proven track record of delivering high quality projects of this nature nationally.

The footpath on the west side of Ferry Street will also be closed next weekend but there will still be access to Dean Street and Church Way.