South Tyneside Council to spend more than £600,000 to fully replace Marsden Steps
Work to fully replace the steps at Marsden Bay is set to start in November.
South Tyneside Council has announced that more than £600,000-worth of work to fully replace the steps at Marsden Bay is set to get underway.
Esh Constructions has been appointed by the local authority to carry out the work, which is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
The Council is funding the cost of repairing the steps, which have been closed to members of the public since December 2025 after inspections identified safety concerns.
Closure of The Grotto
The closure of the steps late last year also saw the temporary closure of the Marsden Grotto over the Christmas period, with the popular restaurant reopening to the public in January 2026.
The steps provide an emergency escape route for the Grotto when the tide is in and has therefore affected the way that the business is able to operate.
South Tyneside Council has explained that specialist surveys, detailed assessments and design work have been necessary to develop a safe, durable and long-term solution to also help reduce the need for future repairs and maintenance.
‘Designed to withstand the harsh coastal conditions’
Councillor Karen Pittuck, Lead Member for Highways, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council, has expressed her delight that repairs to the steps are finally getting underway.
She said: “We know how important these steps are, both as an access route at Marsden Bay and to the operation of the Marsden Grotto, so I’m pleased that we are now in a position to move ahead with their full replacement.
“This is a challenging coastal location and it has been important that we took the time needed to properly assess the condition of the steps and develop a safe and lasting solution.
“The new structure has been designed to withstand the harsh coastal conditions while helping to minimise the need for ongoing repairs and maintenance.
“This investment will allow us to replace the steps and restore this important route, while supporting a valued local business.”
Construction work on replacing the steps will not be affected by tides.
However, due to cranes being required as part of the work, progress will be weather-dependent.
Access to Marsden Bay remains available via the Redwell Bank steps when tide conditions allow.
You can check tide times at: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/forecast/gcz0b8ksf.