Contractor on Board for College Relocation

A game-changing project to transform South Shields town centre has taken a major step forward.

A contractor has been appointed to deliver the relocation of South Tyneside College.

The move will see South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School relocate from its current Westoe site into the heart of the town centre.

Castle has been selected to carry out construction of the new 15,000sq m campus, following a competitive tender process.

The Hebburn-based firm has been appointed on a pre-construction services agreement ahead of an anticipated start on site in the summer.

Over the coming months, Castle will finalise detailed designs for the scheme and undertake preparatory works on site.

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

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "We're delighted to welcome Castle on board. They have a proven track record of successfully delivering on projects such as this.

"As a local firm, their appointment will create jobs and boost the borough's economy.

"Momentum is building on this project now and people will start to see some activity on site over the coming weeks.

"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."

In public consultation, more than 80 per cent of people who responded supported 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 are delighted that a local contractor has been appointed to start pre-construction works. 

"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."

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. 

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.

"We look forward to liaising and cooperating closely with all key stakeholders involved in the project and, in particular, regular community engagement and communications will be a priority for us.

"We will keep residents, businesses and retailers located in the town centre and beyond, up to date with developments on and around the site, as we move forward with the project."    

The College had previously secured £22m from the Department for Education's FE Capital Transformation Fund.