Member Article

New £5 million sea defence scheme transforms South Shields

A £5 million project led by South Tyneside Council has created a new promenade and sea defences at Littlehaven Beach, a 500-metre stretch close to the mouth of the River Tyne.

Sea defences have been realigned to an optimum position, widening the existing sandy beach by around 50 metres, and replacing a structure that was over 100 years old in places.

The new 7.5 metre-wide promenade not only protects this part of the North East coastline which was prone to flooding, it features original artworks inspired by local history as well as state of the art decorative lighting.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Completion of Littlehaven promenade is another key milestone in our borough’s regeneration, just a few months after the development of a stunning new riverside park and the opening of the new Haven Point pool and leisure complex by HRH the Duke of Cambridge.

“South Tyneside has been hard hit by funding reductions but we are determined to continue investing in regeneration, jobs and economic growth. Last year we announced South Shields 365, a £100m town centre renewal vision, and we expect to be on site with the first construction work within twelve months.”

Thousands of visitors and residents were welcomed to the new promenade this weekend which was formally opened by Lord Lieutenant, Mr Nigel Sherlock. The event’s undoubted highlight was a daredevil display by wing walkers, who performed a breathtaking sequence of acrobatics while strapped to the wings of Boeing Stearman biplanes.

Other attractions included live music, dance and gymnastics displays and a regatta in South Shields harbour, rounded off with fireworks and a spectacular light show.

Martin Swales, South Tyneside’s Chief Executive, said: “It was a truly memorable day with residents and visitors enjoying what was an underused part of our coastline. Tourism contributes over £200m to our economy and supports over 3,000 jobs in South Tyneside. This beautifully designed and lit promenade makes it easy to enjoy an atmospheric stroll at any time of day and at any point in the year.

“Together with the our regeneration schemes at the riverside, foreshore and town centres, this additional investment will protect homes and businesses as well as driving forward our vision for South Tyneside as an outstanding place to live, invest and bring up families.”

The Littlehaven project received funding from the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water as well as South Tyneside Council and was delivered by a team including Galliford Try Civil Engineering, Royal Haskoning DHV, Oobe and Balfour Beatty Living Places.

Mick Cooper from Royal Haskoning, said: “There was a very strong team approach to the design and delivery of the scheme with great co-operation between the promenade and sea wall teams to make the Council’s ambitious vision a reality.”

Craig Winter from Galliford Try added: “It was a pleasure to work on such a big, high quality scheme that will have such a positive impact on South Tyneside.”

For more information about the Littlehaven Promenade, click on www.southtyneside.info/littlehaven.

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