South Shields’ new £21m transport interchange takes shape

South Shields’ new transport interchange is beginning to take shape, with the steel skeleton of the multi-million pound facility now in place.

A 50-tonne mobile crane was used to bring 175 tonnes of locally fabricated steel into position on the £21m scheme, which will house a modern bus station and relocated Metro station.

The development is phase two of the £100m 365 regeneration masterplan.

Work on the interchange began in April, when construction teams laid foundations and dug pits for the facility’s escalator and lift before installing the steel structure.

South Tyneside Council is delivering the project with partners Muse Developments and Nexus, and contractor Bowmer & Kirkland.

The next stage will see roofing sheets and build-up fixed to the top of the frame, and internal concrete slabs poured to form the three floor levels. External cladding will also be fixed to the sides of the frame.

Council Leader Cllr Iain Malcolm said: “It’s fantastic to see how much progress has been made already on the transport interchange.

“Now that the steel skeleton is in place, the building is literally taking shape before our eyes and we get a glimpse of how this new facility is going to look.”

He continued: “South Shields town centre is undergoing a huge transformation and physical developments such as the interchange and our hugely-successful cultural venue, The Word, show how our bold vision is coming to fruition.

“The transport interchange will create a high quality sense of arrival into our regenerated, revitalised town centre. “

The interchange is due for completion in Summer 2019.

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