Tragedy, eyesore or potential new Primark? Mixed reaction after demolition dates set for South Shields gasometer

Northern Gas Networks is set to start demolition work on the Victorian-era gasometer, or gas holder, in South Shields town centre within days.

The Gazette first reported on plans to demolish the structure in 2015, with Northern Gas Networks stating at the time demolition work could begin in 2018 – but was on a “fluid timeline”.

However, a traffic order was issued in April 2022 to close Oyston Street to allow for demolition work, which was expected to be needed for around 165 days from whenever work began.

Built by G&W Walker Ltd, the gas holder has been a feature of the South Shields skyline since 1886.

The Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record (HER) states it could store “almost 1.5 million cubic feet of gas – enough to supply 1,800 homes for a full day, or 42,000 homes for an hour”.

However, big changes in the industry since the discovery of North Sea gas in the 1960s has seen gasometers becoming obsolete.

News that the South Shields gasometer is finally set to go has sparked an outpouring of sadness from Gazette readers.

Some, including local history author and retired art lecturer Jean Stokes, have previously suggested the gasometer be redeveloped into a public space or for other new uses, similar to those in London.

There one of the historic structures has been turned into a park, with others forming the outer framing of apartment blocks.

A number of Gazette readers agreed this would be a good idea as they took to social media to voice their reaction to the demolition dates being set.

Judith Burford said: “Historic London’s Gasometer was reborn as a beautiful public open space. What do we do in South Shields? Demolish it.

"Why would we want to preserve our history for the future or think imaginatively about ways in which to preserve and reuse?”

Gary Dunmore said: “This structure could have easily been preserved and made into an attraction like that seen at Gas Holder Park in Kings Cross.”

Michelle Wall said: “Noooooo… but why. That gasometer is what makes South Shields.”

Former Shields Gazette heritage writer and local history expert Janis Blower was among those lamenting the demolition plans.

"I know not everyone is a fan like me, but it will be a - literally - huge miss on the South Shields skyline,” she said on Twitter.

Some, however, said they would not mourn the gas holder.

Connor Ferguson commented on Facebook: “Why are people sad reacting? It’s an eyesore."

Gary Dunmore added: “Only came on for the inevitable ‘part of our history comments’. It’s an eyesore. How many people go and visit it and take photos?

Others had suggestions on other new uses for the gas holder – including the inevitable wry suggestion it could house a Primark.

Shoppers have long called for the discount clothing retailer to open a branch in South Shields, and the issue has also become a running joke among social media commenters.

Vince Olsen added: “Can it not be made into some kind of techno club?”

Mark Johnson, senior projects manager for Northern Gas Networks (NGN), said: “Because of advances in technology and the enhanced capability of the modern-day gas network, the holder in South Shields is no longer used, so we’ve taken the decision to remove it using specialist teams.

“The notice is part of a standard process we undertake with every local authority where we are taking down a gas holder.

“While the road closure will not take effect this week, the permissions are in place for six months so will come into force once we start work later in the summer.

“Work on site was due to start in May, however because we’re continuing to liaise with the council around certain aspects of the planning application to remove the holder, we now expect initial site work to begin late summer this year.

“We are very keen to preserve memories of the holder by publishing photos, letters and drawings from local residents on our website and social media channels. If you would like to share yours, please email [email protected] “