First look inside new South Shields Post Office

The new office - in King Street, South Shields - is due to open next Thursday and the finishing touches are being made to the inside.

The pictures show a modern, open-plan layout with six serving positions and two self- service kiosks.

The existing branch on Keppel Street will close on Wednesday September 20, with the new premises - at 8 King Street – opening the following day at the former Officers’ Club shop.

The move is part of Phase Two of the South Shields 365 masterplan - the construction of the town’s new Transport Interchange, which will be located on Keppel Street and Fowler Street.

Coun Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “We know residents were delighted to learn that the Post Office would remain in a prime town centre location and I’m sure they will be keen to see how the new facility is going to look.

“The Post Office engaged with us from the start of this process and their support and cooperation has been essential in the delivery of our town centre vision.”

He added: “The next milestone will be the demolition of the old branch later this year, with a view to starting construction of the interchange in the spring.”

Roger Gale, Post Office’s sales and trade marketing director, said:  “The move enables us to stay at the heart of the community with a new, modernised Post Office branch.

“Our role in local economies is more important than ever, with services that we’re continuing to adapt to remain relevant for customers.

“The new South Shields branch will provide our full, wide range of services and we hope that both existing and new customers will come and make full use of them.”