Plans revealed for four-storey 'ship-inspired' apartment building at South Shields riverside

Proposals for 10 residential apartments and three ‘penthouse’ apartments, alongside associated works, car and cycle parking and landscaping for a parcel of land off Long Row have been submitted to South Tyneside Council.

The applicant is Key West Three Ltd, which acquired the site as part of the purchase of the neighbouring Utilitywise buildings.

Following the buildings’ conversion into apartments, developers said “on-going demand has prompted this application”.

A design and access statement from Mario Minchella Architects adds the new apartment complex would be designed to make reference to “naval architecture” and the “marine setting.”

It reads: “The proposals have been designed deliberately to contrast the sullen appearance of the Utilitywise buildings and use colours and materials which reference the marine setting.

“Furthermore, the design incorporates strong horizontal lines which make reference to naval architecture [and] the fenestration is large and rhythmical to take advantage of the excellent views.

“Again, in contrast to the Utilitywise scheme, the balconies have been designed to be fully integrated into the main structure rather than bolt-on additions. Again, these details suggest ships’ decking.”

The application comes shortly after plans were approved for a new pontoon just a short distance along the river with the vision of creating a new marina, which was contested by campaigners, and amid a row over access to the riverside.

The proposed site for the new apartment complex was formerly used as parking for the Utilitywise buildings, and has more recently been used for storage.

If plans are approved, the new building on site would offer a secure parking area on the ground floor, two-bedroom apartments across the next two floors and three-bedroom penthouse apartments on the top floor.

Developers say the main rooms would provide views out over the River Tyne and the sea and that parking would be assigned to each apartment.

In addition, the building would be compliant in terms of accessibility, with passenger lifts and dedicated parking spaces.

RELATED: £100 fines for tents, shouting and late-night fishing in South Shields riverside zone under new 'public space protection orders

A sustainability statement, submitted on behalf of the applicant, adds the location is close to major transport links and the town centre.

The application states that if plans were approved, measures would be put in place during construction to monitor and reduce dust pollution and energy use from site activities.

The sustainability statement goes on to say: “This proposal seeks to develop an unused site within South Shields.

“This was formerly a private car park and its existing ground cover still remains largely intact – and where possible the client will retain this to reduce the amount of work and materials the proposals will require.

“The proposals seek to utilize the position of the complex within the community, and its existing infrastructure, more efficiently and, through doing this, provide a high quality, sustainable addition to the area.”

A final decision on the application rests with South Tyneside Council and will be made following a period of consultation.

Comments on the plans can be submitted up until April 29 by visiting the council’s planning portal or by writing to the planning authority.

To track the progress of the application or to find out more, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/35961/Search-planning-applications and search reference: ST/0693/20/FUL.

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.