Sir William Fox Hotel plans: Historic South Shields building once home to New Zealand Prime Minister set to become apartments

The Sir William Fox Hotel in Westoe was the birthplace of the real-life Sir William Fox, the second Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Earlier this month, plans were registered with South Tyneside Council to change the use of the listed building from a hotel to six self-contained apartments.

Works include a ground floor extension to the rear, new windows, associated landscaping, car parking, cycle stands and caretakers space.

A Design and Access statement, submitted to council planners, states the scheme seeks to “enhance an elegant and prominent building in South Shields.”

Work will also be limited to the rear and interior areas with the front of the property remaining untouched.

The report goes on to say: “The refurbishment of the Sir William Fox Hotel preserves its rich history while creating an attractive new residential property, with a mixture of one and two bedroom apartments that reflects the local housing needs.

“The building has a significant importance in creating the distinctive visual appearance of the Westoe Village.

“The proposal seeks to maintain the visual character of the front Georgian facade facing the street.

“Additionally, by removing the non-original render from the rear of the property, the refurbishment will allow to reintroduce the original visual appearance of the dwelling.

“In addition to this the proposal will retain original, distinctive architectural features both internally and externally, as well as retain the layout that reflects the history of the dwelling.”

Sir William Fox, a lawyer and writer who emigrated to New Zealand, then a colony, went on to become its second Prime Minister.

He held that office on four separate occasions in the 19th century, with the hotel’s name paying tribute to his Westoe roots.

Comments on the apartment plans can be made by writing to the council’s planning department before Tuesday, May 26.

For more information or to leave your comments online, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal and search reference: ST/0234/20/FUL

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