South Shields town centre is set for major transformation, with a multi-million-pound regeneration project now underway.

Work to deliver the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School has started on site.

The scheme will see the college move from its current Westoe site into the heart of the town centre, with a new 15,000 sqm campus.

In public consultation carried out by South Tyneside Council, more than 80 percent of people who responded backed the idea of the college relocation, believing it would lead to a livelier town centre and help to sustain new and existing businesses.

The project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council; delivered by award-winning construction company Castle. It is being funded by Tyne Coast College, the North East Combined Authority, Department for Education and UK Government.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of the Council, said:

It is so exciting that we are finally at the point of getting spades in the ground. This project has been in the planning for several years and is the cornerstone of our regeneration ambitions. Increasing footfall by diversifying the town centre has always been central to our plans, and the college relocation is going to bring in thousands of additional people who will spend time and money here. In a couple of years, we will be welcoming students from across the region and beyond to this new, modern campus where they will gain the skills they need to prosper in leading industries like our growing green economy.

It is anticipated that the new facilities will be ready in time for students in the September 2027 intake.

Chief Executive of Tyne Coast College, Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE:

Hebburn-based firm Castle is delivering the £95m build, which will also include a 125-bed student accommodation block overlooking the river, and the refurbishment of a listed building to provide offices and staff facilities. Both will bring vacant buildings back into use.

The campus’ main building will be accessed on King Street, with a double-height glass atrium behind the reception entrance. A second entrance will be provided along Barrington Street.

CGI Image of main campus

Andrew Dawson, managing director, Castle, said:

As a South Tyneside-based business we understand only too well the huge impact this project will have on the career prospects of people in the borough and the economic benefits it will bring to the town centre. Indeed, it aligns perfectly with our own culture and core values, so much of which is based around the continual development of our people. As we move forward, we know there will be very strong interest in the project from stakeholders, students, the media, local businesses and residents. To this end, we have a specialist stakeholder engagement team in place to ensure there is regular communications regarding milestones and progress on site.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

I promised to breathe new life into the North East"s high streets and town centres. That"s why we agreed £18.2 million investment for a state-of-the art new campus for South Tyneside College and the world-renowned Marine School. Now we are getting on with the job and delivering for people in South Shields, who will see their town centre transformed. I"m delighted that we have got spades in the ground so quickly. Our investment will be a catalyst for jobs, businesses and talent from across the North East and the world to come to South Shields to visit, study and work.