Plans unveiled to build new sports complex at Temple Park in South Shields

Planning applications have now been submitted for a new state-of-the-art sports complex at Temple Park which would be a new home for South Shields and Westoe Sports Club – and for 82 detached homes on the land where its current Wood Terrace facilities sit.

If they get the go ahead, construction of the new sporting venue could start early next year with work on the housing development planned for 2019.

The proposed sports complex would be used by teams including Westoe Rugby Club and South Shields Cricket Club as well as offering facilities for the local community.

It is set to include:

* A clubhouse and function suite;

* Changing rooms;

* Rugby pitches;

* Cricket field;

* Tennis courts;

* Squash courts.

Duncan Murray Chairman of South Shields and Westoe Sports Club said: “This year the club celebrates 168 years of providing sport and entertainment at Wood Terrace to hundreds of thousands of residents over this period.

“This would allow the club to build upon this legacy and create a brand new all purpose facility and to 
continue for hopefully another 168 years at Temple Park and allow the club to embrace the wider community.

“We have been working on this move for some six years and would like to thank Husband and Brown, our agents, who have also worked tirelessly with the club through the whole project for the past six years to 
hopefully make this dream come true.

“Temple Park provides a fantastic opportunity to expand upon and improve on our current facilities and support the growing ambitions of our club and its members whilst providing much-needed community facilities for the residents of South Tyneside.”

The new sports complex would be fully-funded through the sale of land owned by the sports club at Wood Terrace which will be developed by Persona, the private sales brand of leading housing provider and charity, Home Group.

The development features 82 detached executive homes for private sale.

Will Gardner, director of development at Persona, said: “We are delighted to be working with the club and helping to deliver a new facility, which will create increased opportunities for members as well as the wider community.

“In terms of the homes we build, our approach to design and place-making ensures that the new development complements its surroundings, taking into account how it will be used not only by new residents but also those already living in the surrounding area.

“We have invested in specialist in-house architecture and landscape expertise to ensure that this philosophy is fully implemented through to completion.”

Local contractor Tolent Living will be responsible for the construction of both projects having led on the design and planning of both sites.

Allan Thompson, development director at Tolent Living, said: “The two schemes in South Tyneside showcase our ability to design and manage multi-faceted development and construction projects for our clients.

“We have worked with a number of organisations including South Shields and Westoe Sports Club, South Tyneside Council, Persona and land agents Husband & Brown throughout the design and planning stages to ensure the ongoing viability and quality of both projects, and now we can’t wait to get started on-site.”