Member Article

£100 million South Shields 365 project ‘now coming to life’

New 3D artist’s impressions of how South Tyneside’s iconic new Central Library and Digital Media Centre could look have been released.

The images show the interior of the state-of-the-art building, which will form the first phase of the £100 million South Shields 365 project.

Development Director David Wells believes the project, which will create multiple jobs within the region, is ‘now coming to life’.

The new three-storey building will include a library, flexible meeting rooms, exhibition space, an open zone IT suite, a ground floor cafe and a rooftop restaurant and terrace.

The images show the entrance space with its central atrium, the ‘pier’ walkway and viewing gallery on the first floor, perimeter seating and the spectacular views over the Riverside.

South Tyneside Council and its development partner Muse Developments are due to start work on site in the New Year. The tender process to appoint a builder is ongoing.

South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee approved an application for the building plus improvements to the adjacent Market Place in September.

A new 40-space car park will also be constructed on vacant land on Harton Quays as part of the work.

Further consultation with businesses and market traders will take place over the next few months before work commences.

Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Iain Malcolm, said: “These fantastic new images really help bring the concept of the new Central Library and Digital Media Centre to life.

“It’s exciting to be able to visualise how it will look inside and it’s clear that , once finished, it will be a very striking building that we can be proud of.

“Incorporating good design quality into our ambitious regeneration schemes will ensure they not only look attractive, but are sustainable, easy to maintain and offer value for money for residents.”

Development Director at Muse Developments, David Wells, said: “The images of the plans for the new Central Library and Digital Media Centre give the people of South Shields the chance to see how their new facility will look.

“There is a tremendous community spirit in South Shields and we hope this new hub will provide an opportunity to bring that community together.

“Seeing the images makes us feel like the project is now coming to life. We are working hard on the tender process with a view to appointing a building contractor and soon after getting the physical build underway.

“We hope to create a tremendous facility for the people of South Shields, which as part of the overall 365 masterplan will re-invigorate the town centre.”

The 3D impressions of the project are available to view here.

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