Plans have been lodged for new marine workshops at a major college development in South Shields town centre. The 15,000 sqm scheme will replace South Tyneside College's existing site at Westoe and will also bring the South Shields Marine School under one roof.
Development details
The project includes a main campus on King Street, a repurposed Grade II-listed building on Barrington Street for staff and learning purposes, and a 125-bed student accommodation hub for the Marine School at the One Harton Quay building. The development is being financed by Tyne Coast College, the Department for Education, the North East Combined Authority, South Tyneside Council and the Government.
Student intake for the new campus is anticipated in September 2027, with administrative facilities and student flats expected to be ready by August.
Workshop proposals
Fresh proposals have now been submitted for specialist marine workshops on the portion of the site bordering Barrington Street, Cornwallis Street and Coronation Street. The land is currently cordoned off as part of construction firm Castle's site compound, but subject to planning approval, it could accommodate a purpose-built workshop facility.
Submitted floor plans reveal a single building divided into two workshops, alongside toilets and a hydraulics and controls area. An accompanying heritage impact assessment states the workshops will form part of the college provision but as an independent workshop building connected to the main campus building and 16 Barrington Street, which is undergoing conversion for college purposes.
Street scene impact
The assessment further noted that the proposal offers the chance to reinstate the street scene and create an additional area of public realm that connects with the existing linkages along Barrington Street. The application contends that as a separate simple workshop building, the siting, scale and design will allow 16 Barrington Street to remain as the main focal building in the streetscape.
A decision on the application is anticipated following a consultation period. Further details are available on the council's planning portal website under reference 260686.
