'Significant milestone' - Work starts on turning South Shields' former BT building into student accommodation
The redevelopment is a key part of South Tyneside College’s relocation.
Work to transform former offices into a student hall of residence is now underway in South Shields.
The building at One Harton Quay on the riverside will become a modern accommodation block forming part of the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School to the town centre.
Construction on the former BT business centre was completed in September 2011. It closed in 2023. The four-storey, glass‑fronted building, designed to resemble the bow of a ship, will return to use as accommodation.
It is expected to be occupied by students at South Shields Marine School and will feature a mix of en-suite bedrooms, studio apartments and shared spaces and a staffed reception. Th exterior will be largely unchanged. Internal stripping out is already underway.
The redevelopment is a key part of the college relocation project, which will see the college move from its current Westoe site to a 15,000sqm state-of-the-art campus in the town centre.
The project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, delivered by construction company Castle.
Funding is from Tyne Coast College, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority as part of its drive to revitalise high streets, Department for Education, South Tyneside Council and UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.
Public consultation carried out by the council in 2022 showed “significant support for the college’s relocation”, with more than 80% backing “the vision for a livelier town centre, improved learning facilities and the long‑term sustainability of local businesses”.
Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, chief executive of Tyne Coast College said: “The start of works at One Harton Quay marks another significant milestone in the transformation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School.
“Providing high-quality student accommodation in the heart of the town will help us create a vibrant, connected campus experience and support learners from across the region and beyond.
“Alongside the new college building, this development will play a vital role in attracting students, strengthening the local economy, and helping to realise our shared vision for the regeneration of South Shields town centre.
“We are delighted to see progress continuing across both projects as we move closer to welcoming students to an exceptional new learning environment in 2027.”
The new college is scheduled to welcome new students in September 2027.