Invitation to View Vision

Local people are invited to find out more about the future blueprint for South Shields town centre.

An information event about the newly-developed masterplan and vision for the town, including a relocated college, will be held on Monday 17 July.

The drop-in session is open for anyone to attend, to view images, a fly-through video and the vision document. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and see plans for each of the five zones.

The masterplan has been shaped using the feedback from the 'Our Conversation' consultation carried out last year. More than 1,300 residents - aged from 12 to 75 - took part and provided opinions and suggestions about the future of the town centre.

The town centre was divided into five 'zones' for discussion: Mill Dam, New College, Town Centre, Coronation Street, and Southern Gateway.

Consistent themes emerged from the consultation, with people asking for better variety of shops, a relocated College, quality green spaces, a refurbished Customs House, investment in the market place and more spaces for small local retailers to set up shop.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport, said: "We're working hand-in-hand with local people and businesses to create a town centre that offers something for everyone.

"Hundreds of people took part in the Conversation and we know they'll be keen to learn more about what we've got planned.

"There was overwhelming support for South Tyneside College's move into the town centre and a planning application for a modern-state-of-the-art campus is expected to be submitted imminently.

"This event is open to anyone who'd like to come along, view the plans, images and video, or just have a chat."

The event will take place from 2.30-6pm at The Round in The Word on 17 July.