'Stone me!' - Historic Grade II listed building in South Shields set for renovation
An historic South Tyneside building is to undergo essential work by stonemason specialists as part of the £95m relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School.
An historic South Tyneside building is to undergo essential work by stonemason specialists as part of the £95m relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School.
The 144-year-old grade II listed building in Barrington Street, South Shields, is to be renovated and upgraded, alongside the creation of a 15,000 sq metre campus on King Street scheduled to open in September 2027.
Principal contractor Castle has appointed Classic Masonry, specialists in stonemasonry and architectural precast concrete, to carry out the work at the address.
Built in 1882, 16 Barrington Street was originally the headquarters of the South Shields Poor Law Union. It will be transformed into office accommodation for the college.
Classic Masonry will replace stone and carry out other work, including a full steam clean to the façade. The company is a specialist masonry and restoration contractor which has worked on historic buildings Hylton Castle in Sunderland, Fenwick’s department store and St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle, Morpeth Railway Station and the Union Chain Bridge in Berwick.
Lindsey Whiterod CBE, chief executive of Tyne Coast College, said: “The restoration of 16 Barrington Street is an important part of our vision for the new South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School campus.
“While the new facilities will provide world-class learning environments for our students, it is equally important that we preserve and celebrate the heritage that makes South Shields unique. The renovation of this historic building ensures that a significant part of the town’s history will continue to play a role in its future.”
Cllr Dave Royal of South Tyneside Council said: “The college relocation project is transforming South Shields town centre and breathing new life into a historic building that has stood at the heart of our community for more than 140 years.
“As we create a first-class new home for South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, it is vital that we preserve the character and heritage that make our town unique. The specialist skills being brought to this restoration will help ensure this landmark building remains an important part of South Shields for generations to come.”
The project comes from a partnership between South Tyneside Council and Tyne Coast College which has also provided funding, alongside support from Central Government.