Member Article

Developer excited by £100m South Shields regeneration scheme

Multi-million pound plans for renewal of South Shields town centre have moved closer to becoming a reality with a top-level visit from the developers appointed to take the scheme forward.

Muse Developments - one of the country’s leading names in property development and urban regeneration – were selected last month to deliver South Tyneside Council’s ambitious South Shields 365 masterplan over a five to ten year period. The ambitious scheme aims to make South Shields an exciting destination every day of the year.

Matt Crompton, joint managing director of Muse, was in South Shields with the Council’s leader, Cllr Iain Malcolm, to finalise key legal agreements and agree the next steps for putting the £100m vision into action.

Councillor Malcolm said: “South Shields 365 is an ambitious plan for a town with huge potential, and we are making real progress towards making that vision a reality. Muse have an exceptional track record of delivering town centre regeneration, and their experience, innovation and financial strength will help us to make South Shields the North East’s premier coastal resort.

“In the past the town has had three distinct areas – the seafront, town centre and Riverside – and South Shields 365 will bring these assets together to make it a place of year-round cultural, leisure and retail activity.

“In spite of funding reductions and a tough financial climate, we are making major investments to bring jobs and growth to South Tyneside. With the Haven Point pool and leisure complex and the new waterfront park both nearing completion, and the new Littlehaven promenade well underway, our determination is already making a difference.

“We are working closely with Muse with a view to construction of the new library and community hub starting before the end of 2014.”

The next step for the scheme will be a planning application, which is likely to be submitted early in the New Year. The proposals will include a library and community hub on the site of Wouldhave House, retail and leisure facilities at Barrington Street and Fowler Street West, and a new transport interchange at Keppel Street. The scheme will also improve the market place and St Hilda’s area, as well as bringing a new cinema, shops, restaurants and additional car parking.

Matt Crompton, joint managing director at Muse Developments, said: “It’s really exciting to be in South Shields and to be rolling up our sleeves and getting down to business. The scheme has fantastic potential and is a great challenge for us. We’ll now begin to work closely with the local community - to ensure that we provide a scheme that will bring benefits, in terms of jobs, physical regeneration and improved amenities.”

A national developer, Muse is well known in the North East for its work on Newcastle’s Quayside, which was completed in 2002. The company was also Durham City’s partner in the Walkergate development, including a cafe, bars and restaurants as well as 35 apartments and a 100-bedroom hotel. Muse is currently working with Stockton Council to deliver Northshore —a £300m mixed use development on a former industrial site, with the first 50 homes already complete.

For further details of the South Shields 365 masterplan, or to download a copy, visit www.southshields365.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by South Tyneside Council .