Street in South Shields town centre set for major change as developer submits bid

South Tyneside Council’s planning department has received an application to redevelop 24-26 Fowler Street in the town.

The towering building, which sits adjacent to the landmark former Riddicks building, was originally used as retail units at ground floor level with offices above, according to planning documents.

New plans from applicant Adsen Moore Financial Consulting are seeking permission to convert part of the building into “residential self-contained apartments” and to retain a single retail unit on the ground floor.

Proposals include a total of 15 apartments across upper floorsand the rear of the ground floor, as well as a “mansard-style roof, rendered facade and new windows and doors to [the] west elevation” and “new conservation rooflights and a new shop front to [the] east elevation.”

The development is proposed for the right side of the building directly adjacent to the former Riddicks building.

Planning documents indicate that the commercial unit occupied by Virgin Money, and the floors directly above it, are not included in the planning application.

A design and access statement submitted to council officials provides more details on the residential scheme for 24-26 Fowler Street and notes the scheme’s design “respects the character of the surrounding area by maintaining the building’s existing facade and architectural elements where possible”.

It was argued that the development would “enhance the visual appeal of Fowler Street by introducing high-quality materials and modern design elements that respect the historical context”, with the ground floor commercial unit also featuring a “large glazed shop front to create an active frontage and engage pedestrians”.

The design and access statement adds: “The business use case for this proposal is to turn what has been vacant retail and office space above into a project which can contribute positively to the area by offering high-quality living and commercial space within an area that is central in the town and near amenities that relate well to residential units i.e. transport links, shops, civic institutions etc.

“Currently along Fowler Street there is an over provision of poor quality commercial units with many vacant.

“In line with the South Shields masterplan vision for the Southern Gateway area, this proposal seeks to convert the upper floor of a commercial property for residential use and possibly attract food and drink operators to the renovated commercial unit at ground floor.

“We believe that new residential developments can attract localbusinesses, including cafés, shops, and other services catering tothe needs of residents.

“The proposal of new residential flats with the commercial ground floor can stimulate the local economy and create job opportunities.”

The proposed layout of the scheme includes three studio apartments in the basement, accessed from the floor above from a rear shared courtyard, with the studio apartments also benefiting from living/kitchen areas.

Access to the upper floor apartments would be taken from Fowler Street and “two existing commercial units” at ground floor level would be “combined into one larger commercial unit.”

The remainder of apartments are distributed across the building’s upper floors and include a total of eight studio apartments, and four one-bed, two-person apartments, each with living and bathroom facilities.

A communal bin store is also planned in a rear courtyard which would be “accessible to all apartments via a proposed corridor link from an existing staircase”, with each apartment unit also provided with “separate under kitchen counter containers for general waste and recycling”.

In terms of heritage impacts, the design and access statement notes “none of our proposals will have significant impact on the main front facade facing Fowler Street”.

Developers said “it is intended that none of the proposals will impact the heritage assets of the building and the adjacent listed property at 22 Fowler Street.”

A sustainability report submitted by developers also notes the development “supports town centre regeneration, provides new homes and promotes wellbeing through good daylight, amenity space and thermal comfort”.

The supporting document adds: “Improved building fabric, durable materials and adaptable layouts help futureproof the development against climate change.

“The redevelopment of 24-26 Fowler Street represents a sustainable form of development that delivers environmental, social and economic benefits while supporting the regeneration of South Shields town centre.”

A decision on the planning application is expected following a council consultation exercise.

For more information on the plan, or to track its progress, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 250800