Bid for more demolitions in South Shields as regeneration plans for the town ramp up

Earlier this month, South Tyneside Council submitted an application to its own planning department to tear down a number of buildings in the town.

New plans have earmarked a terrace of two-storey buildings, stretching from the corner of Cornwallis Street around onto Coronation Street as far as Waterlook Square, opposite Asda.

The site is near the old job centre site off Chapter Row, where demolition plans were also approved earlier this year.

Many of the buildings have previously been used as offices.

According to a planning application submitted to council planners, the properties are “vacant and surplus to the council’s requirements”.

It adds: “The properties have been acquired by South Tyneside Council for demolition to make way for the future development of the area as part of the town centre regeneration project”.

The latest plans fall against a backdrop of regeneration work in the town, including acquisitions and demolitions at key sites.

Regeneration work so far has included the demolition of part of King Street and demolition plans being approved for the old South Shields Central Library and former Broadway Carpets retail store.

Last year, the council secured funding from the Future High Streets Fund for land to build up to 200 new homes within walking distance of the town centre.

Plans are also progressing to relocate the South Tyneside College campus and student accommodation into the town centre.

The scheme was given a boost earlier this year with confirmation the college is among 62 institutions in line for a share of more than £400 million to upgrade buildings and campuses from the Department for Education.

The bid to bulldoze buildings at Cornwallis Street and Coronation Street is subject to a decision from council planners.

This includes a ruling on whether permission is needed for demolition.

South Tyneside Council has not confirmed the future planned use of the site, but planning documents confirm it forms part of wider regeneration plans for the town.

A council spokesperson said: "The council’s regeneration plans for South Shields town centre are focused on unlocking land for redevelopment and creating the environment and infrastructure for private sector investment.

“Demolitions, and acquiring land and properties are essential to get sites ‘shovel ready’ for future development, which will form part of consultation events planned for later this year.

“Increasing footfall is paramount and we are exploring various ways to do this, through the proposed college move, increasing the residential population and hospitality."

A decision on the application is expected to be made in coming months.

For more information, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal and search reference: ST/0400/22/DEM