Member Article

£1.5m South Shields Foreshore development could create 52 jobs

Councillors will be updated on a £1.5m project to upgrade a key section of South Shields’ Foreshore next week.

A report to be presented at a meeting with South Tyneside Council will detail plans to improve public spaces between Littlehaven and Sandhaven beaches.

Earlier this year, the council won £1.5 m of funding for the scheme from the Coastal Communities Fund, which will be matched by £529k from the council.

The project, which will create up to 52 jobs, will improve the area between the north and south promenades with new hard and soft landscaping and seating.

Councillor John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: “This scheme will build on the considerable investment that has already gone into regenerating our Foreshore.

“The work will help create a more vibrant, attractive area to draw visitors onto the promenade and will improve connectivity between the north and south piers.

“Tourism is an essential part of the economic make up of South Shields and this project will create and safeguard a number of jobs directly on and around the Foreshore by increasing visitor numbers and spend.”

The owners of Ocean Beach Pleasure Park are also keen to support the vision for the area and are looking to open up the back of the arcades with new entrances and windows.

Owner Michael Sheeran said: “We have been fully behind the proposed improvements and feel the project will link the two promenades, giving us the confidence to invest further in our Family Entertainment Centres and open them up onto the new promenade.

“We are also relocating the Quasar Laser into a brand new arena within our Entertainment Centre which means it will improve the year-round facilities on the seafront for visitors.”

The report will be presented at a meeting of full council next Thursday, April 9.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .