Empty King Street shops to be demolished under plans for South Shields town centre

In recent weeks, an application was lodged for ‘prior notification of proposed demolition’ for a large section of King Street.

This includes numbers 79-99, which are described as being in a poor state of repair, and 1 East Street.

The demolition forms part of the £100million South Shields 365 regeneration masterplan, which has helped to deliver a revamped market place, new library, and transport interchange in the town.

Phase three of the scheme also includes a new retail, leisure and cinema development with a link through on the south side of King Street and parts of Chapter Row, Barrington Street and East Street.

On January 16, council bosses lodged a bid with their own planning authority providing details of the King Street demolition, which is due to start at the end of March.

A report adds “noise suppression methods” will be put in place during the works on the vacant buildings, with materials processed for recycling and re-use.

Any non-recyclable materials will also go to landfill sites for disposal.

On Tuesday January 21, the demolition plans were mentioned at South Tyneside Council’s Place Select Committee during an update on wider regeneration plans in the borough.

Green Party opposition councillor and Beacon and Bents ward member, Coun David Francis, said it was important to keep the public informed about the works.

“One concern is that business owners and residents see [the buildings] coming down and start to worry if this is the death knell for King Street,” he told the meeting.

Labour’s John Anglin, lead member for Regeneration and Economy on the council, has stressed the scheme will benefit South Shields.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: “Preparatory work is currently under way to allow demolition work to start in late Spring.

“A specialist demolition contractor will be appointed who will keep any disruption to King Street at a minimum.

“We expect the King Street demolitions to be completed in late summer.

“This work is required for phase three of the South Shields 365 masterplan which will provide an improved leisure and retail offer, better links into King Street, a more attractive public realm and ultimately an increase in footfall in the town centre.”

For more information on South Shields 365, visit: southtyneside.gov.uk/article/36098/FAQs