Castle appointed on South Tyneside College relocation

The Hebburn-based contractor will work on South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School’s move into South Shields town centre.

Construction of the 160,000 sq ft campus will start in summer, with the next few months used to finalise designs and undertake preparatory work.

Planning permission was granted in 2023, and demolition works have been completed to prepare the site for development.

The campus’ main building will be accessed on King Street, with a double-height glass atrium behind the reception entrance.  A second entrance will be provided along Barrington Street, linking the main campus with a refurbished Grade-II-listed building which will be brought back into use as part of the development.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Our regeneration ambitions are focused on diversifying the town centre and boosting footfall. This development is going to bring in thousands of additional people and a new sense of vitality.

“We, and our partners at the college, are going to create a modern campus fit for the future, giving young people from across South Tyneside and beyond the skills they need to access jobs in leading industries such as the green economy.”

Dr Lindsey Whiterod, chief executive of South Tyneside College, said: “This is an important next step in our vision to build a college that provides educational opportunities for the region’s young people and adults.

“Our relocation will play a key role in boosting local business, equipping people with the work and life skills they need to succeed and supporting the economic growth of the region.”

Tony Lister, co-founder and CEO, Castle, said: “As a South Tyneside-based business we are delighted to have won the contract to deliver a project which is destined to have a profound, positive impact on the regeneration of the borough.

“Castle is passionate about the development and upskilling of all our staff, so the fact we are delivering a world class learning facility for the people of the borough, resonates very strongly with us.

“The contract will enable us to employ additional staff and, whenever possible, we will call upon local suppliers and services to support our teams.”