Demolition Clears Way for College

Demolition work to clear the last site needed to facilitate the proposed relocation of South Tyneside College is progressing at pace.

The former Central Library, on Prince Georg Square in South Shields town centre is being bulldozed, with the land earmarked for student accommodation.

It is the final site to be demolished to enable the college and South Shields Marine School to move from its current Westoe location into the heart of the town centre.

The building has been disused since 2016, following the opening of the state-of-the-art library and cultural venue, The Word.

A planning application has already been submitted for the 140-bed student accommodation block, as well as a 14,000 sq m modern main campus and the refurbishment of a listed building on Barrington Street, which would house staff accommodation and facilities. They are set to be determined later this year.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport, said: "It's exciting to see this building coming down and change happening.

"We know there is overwhelming public support for the college's proposed move into the town centre and for the last couple of years we've been assembling the sites needed to free up land for the development.

"Diversifying and boosting footfall is crucial; times have changed and we know we can't rely solely on traditional retail anymore. A relocated college would bring in thousands of additional people, leading to a livelier town centre which will benefit businesses.

"This is about looking to the future and, together, shaping a vibrant town centre that appeals to all generations."

Last year, the council carried out 'Our South Shields Conversation' to consult local people about the future of the town. More than 80 per cent of the 1,300 residents who responded supported the proposed college move.

MGL Demolition, part of the MGL Group, is carrying out the work.

Mark Davison, Joint Chief Executive of MGL Group, said: "MGL Demolition is proud to play a pivotal role in the ongoing revitalisation of the town centre. Our dedicated team is working to demolish the former Central Library, enabling positive change and fostering the overall improvement of South Shields. This legacy will benefit both current residents and generations to come."

Last year the College secured £20m in funding from Government's FE Capital Transformation Programme to support the move.

To view a video of the demolition, visit https://youtu.be/E4xzrJp4OFI