Riverside Regeneration Revealed in Timelapse Video

Timelapse video shows how plans to regenerate a derelict riverside site are progressing at pace.

The footage captures ongoing remediation work on ex-industrial land at Holborn, South Shields, to make it suitable for development.

South Tyneside Council is transforming the disused docks and former brownfield site into a thriving riverside quarter for living and working, with high quality new public space.

The plans will see a failing quay edge wall replaced with a new one and the raising of the former dry docks to overcome serious flooding issues.

The site, which is currently split level, is being reprofiled to create a gentle slope from Commercial Road to the Tyne, 'Ballast hills' and an existing eight-metre-high concrete retaining wall will be removed.

The timelapse film shows contractors John F Hunt Regeneration carrying out work to restore three of the docks to preserve the industrial heritage. Views of this area will be opened up via a future public promenade.

[youtube link="https://youtu.be/zPAtgiO1i9s"]

The council will be implementing marine ecology improvements in two of the docks including floating reed beds, mussel ropes and fish refuge structures. Plans for the third docks include displaying boats restored by the North East Maritime Trust.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change, said: "It's exciting to see this development taking shape.

"This site bears the hallmarks of its former heavy industrial past, and the work you can see ongoing in the video is to make it suitable for development and to allow its transformation into a fantastic new riverside location.

"Work is on track, with the first properties in phase one almost ready to occupy. This phase will deliver 48 homes, as well as a play area, with stunning views of the Tyne.

"The next phase will get underway early in the New Year."

In the timelapse footage, the main crane is seen in the distance, pile driving the new quay wall to replace the old quay wall. Site-won material is stockpiled ready to eventually be used to regrade the site and raise the former middle dock out of the flood zone.

Jon Stones, Operations Manager for John F Hunt Regeneration said "We have made significant advancements on site, with the first phase of earthworks ready for handover in the coming weeks.

"One of the more unusual challenges we have had, was to lower the decibel level of our operations, to protect the Atlantic Salmon in the River Tyne. For this, we used an innovative 'bubble curtain', reducing noise in the water by 20dB, which allowed us to continue operations without impacting either our programme or the marine life.

"Piling works along the river wall are well underway and we are soon to start restoring the retained piers, which are an important feature of the future development. The next phases of earthworks are due to start in the New Year, and we look forward to continuing the great progress made in delivering this important brownfield regeneration scheme for our clients"

National homebuilder Keepmoat and Alnwick-based Cussins, who are delivering the residential element of the scheme, both recently gained full planning permission for Phases two and three, which had already been granted outline consent in 2021.

They will take possession of the next phase, which will deliver 95 homes, in January.

Ian Worgan, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat said: "We're so glad to be a part of this incredible regeneration scheme and to be delivering these much-needed new homes for people in the local area.

"Our new River's Edge development will provide ideally located, modern homes which are within walking distance of South Shields town centre, perfectly placed for shopping, commuting, and socialising.

"Our new homes and the redevelopment of this fantastic riverside location, just a stone's throw from Sandhaven beach, will bring in significant positive impact to the area and generate new opportunities for local businesses and the wider community."

Jabin Cussions, CEO of Cussins, added: "We are extremely excited to commence residential development of this key regeneration scheme following completion of the extensive site remediation work.

"Cussins will deliver a combination of high specification 4 bedroom riverfront townhouses and 3 bedroom homes with a new promenade presenting a high quality public realm."

Building strong communities, where residents live in clean, green and safe spaces, is one of council's ambitions to help achieve its 20-year vision.