Key building finished in South Shields revamp

A milestone in the regeneration of a South Shields town centre  town has been reached with the completion of the external structure of its new library and digital media centre
Councillor John Anglin tops out The WordCouncillor John Anglin tops out The Word
Councillor John Anglin tops out The Word

The Word, the North East Centre for the Written Word, forms the centrepiece of the first phase of a £100 million regeneration plan for South Shields.

The council's lead member for regeneration and economy, Councillor John Anglin, and chief executive Martin Swales joined Matt Crompton, of development partner Muse Developments, to put the finishing touches to the building at a topping out ceremony.

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Councillor Anglin said: “It is wonderful to see our latest cultural offering come to life. Now that the structure is nearing completion and the exterior weather-proofing is underway, work can begin to fit it out.

“I’d like to thank local people for their patience during construction. We can now all look forward to the opening of this centre later this year."

The Word will have exhibition space, a computer gaming area, design and innovation studio, digitised archives, meeting rooms, children's storytelling area, IT suite, café and a rooftop restaurant and terrace providing stunning views over the river.

The Word, in South Shields Market Place, is the centrepiece of the phase one of the South Shields 365 regeneration project.

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Works to improve the Market Place have also been carried out to make it a civic space for the 21st century. This has included fitting a canopy over the stalls and installing new paving and street furniture.

The second and third phases of the regeneration scheme have also been given the green light when councillors gave planning permission for a new Transport Interchange and retail and family leisure offer. The new Interchange building on Keppel Street will house the Metro and bus concourse and will provide a striking point of arrival to South Shields town centre.