Government cash injection gives fresh boost to South Shields attractions
Cultural attractions in South Shields are set to benefit from Government funding to help sites adapt and secure their position for future generations.
North East Museums, previously known as Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, recently received £438,300 from the Government’s Museums Renewal Fund.
The funding is set to benefit several North East Museums venues in South Tyneside, including South Shields Museum & Art Gallery and Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort which, according to the North East Museums website, is closed until spring 2026 except for special events.
South Tyneside Labour, in a recent social media post, welcomed the Government funding and said the “hugely important investment will go towards supporting museum resilience as well as core running costs, keeping our hugely valuable arts and museums sector alive and sustainable for everyone to enjoy.”
The announcement also comes against the backdrop of South Tyneside Council’s future budget planning which, as part of a range of savings proposals being considered, includes a “review” of both South Shields Museum and Arbeia, which are both currently free to access.
Stuart Reid, the council’s director of business and resources, referenced this free model at the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating and Call-in Committee last month (October 30, 2025) during a presentation on the council’s financial position and potential future “savings” to “discretionary services” to help balance the books.
Councillors heard that South Tyneside Council pays North East Museums to run the two cultural facilities and described the free offer as something that is “common across a lot of cultural facilities across the region”.
Although no decisions on the sites have been made, senior council officer Stuart Reid confirmed “different models” were being explored for the cultural venues as part of “proposed further savings.”
Councillor Jim Foreman, cabinet member for governance, finance and corporate services at South Tyneside Council, welcomed the recent Museums Renewal Fund award benefiting the borough’s cultural venues.
The senior Labour councillor stressed “no [budget] decisions have been made, and none will be taken until 2026 following full consultation” and that the local authority was awaiting information from the Government on its level of funding for coming years.
“The announcement that the borough’s cultural venues will benefit from the Government’s new Museums Renewal Fund is of course welcomed,” Cllr Foreman added.
“This revenue funding will help support venues’ day-to-day running costs in the current financial year.
“The funding is ring-fenced for 2025/26 and must be fully spent within that period, meaning it does not affect any future budget options that may be brought forward.
“Like many councils, we continue to face significant financial pressures.
“Rising costs and reduced Central Government funding mean we must explore every option to deliver a balanced budget for 2026/27.
“At present, we need to save at least £7 million, and likely much more, to balance the books next year.
“We are also awaiting the outcome of the Government’s Fair Funding review, which will determine how resources are allocated nationally and could have a major impact on South Tyneside’s future finances.
“No decisions have been made, and none will be taken until 2026 following full consultation.
“Our priority remains protecting essential services while ensuring South Tyneside continues to offer vibrant cultural opportunities for residents and visitors.
“Our consultation on discretionary services runs until December 7, 2025, and we encourage people to take part and have their say at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/budget.”