GREEN LIGHT FOR STUDENT RIVERSIDE RESIDENCE
A striking riverside building in South Shields is set for a new lease of life as modern student accommodation, following the approval of a planning application by South Tyneside Council.
The former BT business centre at One Harton Quay, which overlooks the Tyne, will be repurposed into a 125-bed student residence.
The redevelopment will support the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School into the town centre from its current Westoe site.
The distinctive four-storey, glass-fronted building will be transformed into en-suite bedrooms arranged in clusters, individual studio apartments, and communal areas including lounges, kitchens, study spaces, and a reception with security.
The exterior, which was originally designed to resemble the bow of a ship, will remain largely unchanged.
Construction is already underway on the new 15,000sqm campus and the refurbishment of a Grade II-listed building on Barrington Street, which will become staff facilities and offices. Work on the student residence is expected to begin late summer.
Alongside planning permission being granted, the Council and Tyne Coast College have entered into a Development Agreement. The agreement sets out the land and building assets, as well as the funding to facilitate the move.
The £95m college relocation project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council; delivered by award-winning construction company Castle
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “One Harton Quay is a real landmark building on the riverside and it’s fantastic that it will be brought back into use.
“We are creating a vibrant educational hub right in the heart of the town centre, giving students modern facilities and the skills they need to thrive in industry.
“The location of the student residence will also strengthen the connection between the town centre and the riverside, generating footfall between the two and complementing the wider investment in the Mill Dam area.”
In public consultation carried out by South Tyneside Council, more than 80 percent of people who responded backed the idea of the college relocation, believing it would lead to a livelier town centre and help to sustain new and existing businesses.
Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive of South Tyneside College, said: “We’re excited about One Harton Quay becoming a high-quality student residence as part of our ambitious plans to relocate South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School to the town centre.
“The development will offer students modern, purpose-designed accommodation just a short walk from the new campus, creating an integrated and vibrant learning environment.
“This marks another important step in our commitment to transforming education in the heart of South Shields.”
Hebburn-based firm Castle is delivering the build, with facilities expected to be ready to welcome students in the September 2027 intake.
The accommodation scheme will also include on-site amenities such as a laundry, cycle storage, refuse facilities, and parking.
Andrew Dawson, managing director, Castle, said: “Our teams are now very visible on the site of the new college campus and we are building strong momentum.
“One Harton Quay, which is set to be a 125-bed student residence, is a key element of the overall project.
“We are very pleased that planning permission to convert the building is now in place and we look forward to moving forward with the refit.”
The college relocation project is being funded by Tyne Coast College, the North East Combined Authority, DfE and UK Government.
The site of the now-demolished Central Library, which had previously been identified as the preferred location for student accommodation, will remain in council ownership as a development opportunity.