Plans approved for ambitious The Glassworks building in South Shields - complex expected to support 1,500 jobs

The Glassworks, a flagship office development at the heart of regeneration plans for South Shields has been given the green light by South Tyneside councillors.

Spread over five storeys, the landmark building forms part of the vision for a new living, working and cultural quarter in the Harton Quay area.

The proposals have attracted wide support, with heritage experts praising the impact the scheme will have on the historic Mill Dam.

And it is hoped the application, which was approved on Monday, April 19, will pave the way for the region’s first ever net-zero carbon office building.

Speaking after the decision, George Mansbridge, South Tyneside Council’s corporate director of regeneration and environment, said: “The design and construction processes will result in almost a third less carbon, which is the equivalent of planting four hectares of young woodland forest.

“Operational energy will be significantly reduced with highly efficient heating, lighting and ventilation systems.

“The building will also have the ability to connect to a future renewable district heating network in the town.”

The site, formerly home to Swinburne’s Glass Works and a stone yard, is expected to provide 50,000 sq ft of office space, as well as basement parking, a reception area, communal workspace, coffee bar and a roof terrace.

South Tyneside Council was awarded £3million from the Getting Building Fund to support the creation of The Glassworks.

Tracey Dixon, the leader of the council, has previously said she expects the scheme to support up to 1,500 jobs in South Shields.

Cement substitutes, open ceiling spaces and recycled materials are among the measures designers hope will cut ‘embodied carbon’ during construction by almost a third.

Solar panels, LED lighting and heat pumps will increase energy efficiency once the building is operational.

Andrew Fairest, projects director at Muse Developments, the council’s development partner on the project, said the application’s approval was a ‘strong endorsement’ of the firm’s work in South Shields to date.

He added: “Despite the challenging times we’re in, we’re still seeing a demand for high-quality office space that not only provides an agile and positive environment to work from, but is also climate resilient and adaptable to our changing world.”

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.