Plans in for work to begin transforming disused South Shields docklands into stunning new development

A planning application for civil engineering works needed to transform disused docks and industrial space into a stunning riverside development at Holborn has been submitted to South Tyneside Council.

It would neighbour similarly ambitious plans for the neighbouring site to the east, where The Glassworks building and landscaping are planned.

If approved, the plans for the Holborn area would see a new quay edge wall installed, re-grading of the site, decontamination of the ground and the raising of the former dry docks to overcome serious flooding issues.

The development team said three of the docks would be restored, preserving the area’s industrial heritage.

The site, which is currently split-level, would be reprofiled to create a gentle slope down from Commercial Road to the Tyne, making it more suitable for development.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “If approved, these enabling works would prepare what has been a largely derelict area for many years for the transformation into a mixed use development that would deliver new homes and office space and create hundreds of new jobs.”

Subejct to planning permission, the works would get underway in the autumn.

House-building company Keepmoat, working in partnership with fellow developer Cussins, were appointed in 2020 as the development partner to deliver around 350 high-quality family houses and apartments and the associated infrasatructure, including a new riverside promenade.

The scheme, which council chiefs say builds on the considerable investment that has already gone into regenerating South Shields, has secured £9.4million from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the delivery of a future phase of office accommodation.

A 4.5-hectare section of the 10.5-hectare site was awarded Enterprise Zone status after a successful bid supported by the Local Enterprise Partnership.

There have been concerns over the impact of the development by families already living in the area, however.

Campaigners fear the development could see a park and other green space off Commercial Road used for building.

A petition calling for the park to be preserved is nearing 600 signatures. Visit www.change.org/p/south-tyneside-council-save-the-children-s-park-trees-and-field-habitat-in-holborn-riverside-south-shields to find out more.

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