Work to transform former offices into a student hall of residence is underway in South Shields.
The building at One Harton Quay on the riverside will be turned into a modern accommodation block that forms part of the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School to the town centre.
The striking four-storey, glass‑fronted building—originally designed to resemble the bow of a ship—will be brought back into use as high‑quality accommodation.
t is expected to be occupied by national and international students studying at South Shields Marine School.
It will feature bedrooms arranged in clusters, shared spaces such as lounges, kitchens and study areas, alongside a staffed reception. The building’s exterior will remain largely unchanged. Internal stripping out of the building is underway.
The redevelopment forms a key part of the wider college relocation project, which will see the college move from its current Westoe site to a 15,000sqm state-of-the-art campus in the town centre.
The project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council; delivered by award-winning construction company Castle. It is funded by Tyne Coast College, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ drive to revitalise high streets, Department for Education, South Tyneside Council and UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.
Councillor Dave Royal, lead member for Economic Growth, Investment and Regeneration said:
“This is the next piece of the jigsaw in this transformational scheme. One Harton Quay is a real landmark on the riverside and it will be fantastic to bring it back into use.
“Part of our regeneration ambition is focused on strengthening the connection between the town centre and the riverside.
“Generating footfall between the main campus and the student accommodation will do exactly that, bringing in revenue for new and existing businesses,
“It will complement the investment going into the Mill Dam area and help create a modern campus and accommodation offer for our young people.”
Public consultation carried out by the Council in 2022 showed significant support for the college’s relocation, with more than 80 per cent of respondents backing the vision for a livelier town centre, improved learning facilities, and the long‑term sustainability of local businesses.
Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive of Tyne Coast College said:
“The start of works at One Harton Quay marks another significant milestone in the transformation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School.
“Providing high-quality student accommodation in the heart of the town will help us create a vibrant, connected campus experience and support learners from across the region and beyond.
“Alongside the new college building, this development will play a vital role in attracting students, strengthening the local economy, and helping to realise our shared vision for the regeneration of South Shields town centre. We are delighted to see progress continuing across both projects as we move closer to welcoming students to an exceptional new learning environment in 2027.”
Progress is continuing at pace on the main campus, where construction work started in summer 2025.
Craig Muldoon, Divisional director – Build, at Castle said: “With the main campus progressing well, our teams are now focussed on One Harton Quay.
“Preparatory works are well underway and we will deliver this latest part of the project so that completion is in line with the timing of the overall scheme. It is a landmark building overlooking the River Tyne and we are proud to refurbish it for a new, exciting future.”
The 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 building to the main campus.
It is anticipated that the new college will be ready to welcome students in the 2027 September intake.
For more information on opportunities in the town centre see: South Shields Town Centre – Invest South Tyneside
