This month’s groundbreaking event marks the beginning of construction on the new South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, set to relocate to the heart of South Shields town centre.

We have been appointed by Main Contractor, Castle, to provide Architectural and Lead Designer services for the new state-of-the-art further education college, which will integrate the internationally renowned South Shields Marine School. Architectural designs for the new build incorporate the latest industry-standard facilities to support the young people of South Tyneside and beyond, providing them with the skills they need to access jobs across a variety of industries including the growing green economy in the region.

GSSArchitecture are also leading the design work to convert a vacant Grade II listed building into an administration facility. The building will be brought back into use, accommodating the academic and administrative functions on site, whilst acting as a second entrance into the College.

Bringing this building back into use, as well as taking a major frontage onto King Street, shows just one of the many ways that the college will support the wider regeneration of South Shields Town Centre. The move from the current Westoe site will contribute to a livelier town centre, which will sustain new and existing businesses bringing much needed footfall and connectivity.

Both South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School have stellar reputations, with the Marine School being the longest operating marine training college in the world – preparing generations for successful careers at sea. This relocation will support the long-term future of both institutions, ensuring they continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities.

We are supported by the wider project team which includes RWO Associates Ltd., Christian James Associates Ltd., Apex Acoustics, Bluekeep Building Control, AtkinsRéalis, and Colour Urban Design Ltd.