Listed building consent has been approved for temporary scaffolding at South Shields Town Hall to carry out essential maintenance and repairs on its historic clock tower, a prominent feature of the Tyneside skyline for nearly 120 years. The Grade II-listed civic building, owned by South Tyneside Council, will undergo works to the bell installation, including the bells, hammers, and clock faces.
Scaffolding Plan Approved
South Tyneside Council lodged an application with its own planning department seeking listed building consent for the erection of temporary scaffolding around the clock tower, along with associated fixings into masonry. The scaffolding is necessary to facilitate safe access and lifting operations due to the weight of the bells, as conventional non-invasive scaffold methods are not sufficient. The heritage, design, and access statement noted that mechanical fixings into masonry are the only viable method to ensure structural stability and safety of operatives and the building.
The application was granted on July 10, 2026, with a condition that the scaffolding be dismantled within one month of completion of the clock upgrade works to ensure timely removal of the temporary structure that obscures the listed building. As of July 14, no scaffolding had yet been erected.
Preserving a Historic Landmark
The town hall, which sits at the heart of South Shields, holds significant architectural and historic interest, with the clock tower representing a defining feature of the skyline. The scaffolding is intended as a temporary support structure, and once removed, all pins will be taken out, with resulting holes filled using lime-based mortar compatible with the existing fabric or indented stone plugs where required.
Council planners stated that the proposal would result in no significant harm to the heritage significance or visual appearance of the listed building. The project reflects the council's continued dedication to preserving historic buildings for future generations.
Project Timeline and Impact
Works were due to begin in late June 2026, and fencing has been put up around the base of the clock tower. Specialist contractors will tackle areas that have shown signs of deterioration. The project is anticipated to reach completion later this year, with the town hall building remaining fully accessible throughout the works.
Councillor Susan Sybenga, deputy council leader overseeing finance and resources, commended the initiative. "Our town hall sits at the heart of the town," she said. "By investing in essential maintenance now, we're helping to protect this historic landmark and avoid more significant repairs in the future."
Further details can be found on South Tyneside Council's planning portal website by searching for reference 260276.
