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Plans for the refurbishment of Grade 11 listed 16 Barrington Street, South Shields, have been revealed.
Project details were outlined on a site tour organised by principal contractor, Castle and Generation 4 Change (G4C) North East.
Once a prominent Victorian landmark within South Shields, the scheme will restore the historic building to its former glory, as it acts as a gateway to the new South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, welcoming students and providing much needed office accommodation.
Castle’s Design Management team, led by design director Matt Thomas, alongside GSSArchitecture’s heritage and conservation lead, Dan Jones, are overseeing the refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, providing expertise to guide the careful uncovering, repair and restoration of the building’s historic Victorian features. Having Dan’s guidance means the scheme can carefully balance heritage restoration with contemporary design interventions to meet modern workplace requirements.
Originally constructed in 1882 for the South Shields Poor Law Union, 16 Barrington Street is an important presence within the townscape. The refurbishment will breathe new life into the historic building, supporting the future of education in the region while contributing to the wider regeneration of South Shields town centre and high street.
Project details were outlined on a site tour organised by principal contractor, Castle and Generation 4 Change (G4C) North East.
Once a prominent Victorian landmark within South Shields, the scheme will restore the historic building to its former glory, as it acts as a gateway to the new South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, welcoming students and providing much needed office accommodation.
Castle’s Design Management team, led by design director Matt Thomas, alongside GSSArchitecture’s heritage and conservation lead, Dan Jones, are overseeing the refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, providing expertise to guide the careful uncovering, repair and restoration of the building’s historic Victorian features.
A series of carefully planned repair and refurbishment works are central to bringing the building back into active use, these include extensive masonry and window repairs, undertaken to restore the historic bay windows and original timber porch. The former boardroom, the building’s largest and most ornate space, has been carefully restored allowing its stained-glass window feature to once again become a focal point of the interior.
Having Dan’s guidance means the scheme can carefully balance heritage restoration with contemporary design interventions to meet modern workplace requirements.
Originally constructed in 1882 for the South Shields Poor Law Union, 16 Barrington Street is an important presence within the townscape. The refurbishment will breathe new life into the historic building, supporting the future of education in the region while contributing to the wider regeneration of South Shields town centre and high street.
A series of carefully planned repair and refurbishment works are central to bringing the building back into active use, these include extensive masonry and window repairs, undertaken to restore the historic bay windows and original timber porch. The former boardroom, the building’s largest and most ornate space, has been carefully restored allowing its stained-glass window feature to once again become a focal point of the interior.
The design has considered ways to utilise the existing heritage of the space to create a welcoming arrival experience. The removal of a later added mezzanine floor is being undertaken to create a dramatic double-height entrance space complemented by a feature lighting installation which maximises natural light. Additionally, the mahogany picture rails of the main stairwell have been carefully retained and enhanced for a warm and inviting feature, inviting students and staff further into the building.
The project is being delivered through a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, with Castle leading the construction works. Funding has been provided by Tyne Coast College, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ ambition to revitalise high streets, alongside support from the Department for Education and the UK Government.
The design has considered ways to utilise the existing heritage of the space to create a welcoming arrival experience. The removal of a later added mezzanine floor is being undertaken to create a dramatic double-height entrance space complemented by a feature lighting installation which maximises natural light. Additionally, the mahogany picture rails of the main stairwell have been carefully retained and enhanced for a warm and inviting feature, inviting students and staff further into the building.
Dan Jones, GSSArchitecture’s heritage and conservation lead, commented: “16 Barrington Street is a building of significant historic and civic importance within South Shields, and it has been incredibly rewarding to help guide its restoration. Our approach has focused on carefully uncovering and preserving the building’s original Victorian character, while introducing sensitive contemporary interventions that support its future use by South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School.”
The project is being delivered through a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, with Castle leading the construction works. Funding has been provided by Tyne Coast College, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ ambition to revitalise high streets, alongside support from the Department for Education and the UK Government.
Dan Jones, GSSArchitecture’s heritage and conservation lead, commented: “16 Barrington Street is a building of significant historic and civic importance within South Shields, and it has been incredibly rewarding to help guide its restoration. Our approach has focused on carefully uncovering and preserving the building’s original Victorian character, while introducing sensitive contemporary interventions that support its future use by South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School.”
Matt Thomas, design director, Castle, said: “Together with GSSArchitecture, we were delighted to host a visit by Generation 4 Change to the site. As a business with headquarters in South Tyneside, we are proud to have been appointed as principal contractor on a scheme that acknowledges the proud commercial heritage of the borough and which will be perfectly complemented by a new, modern style campus that points very firmly to the future.”
“The refurbishment of Barrington Street is a powerful statement of our commitment to both heritage and future opportunity in South Tyneside. By bringing this historic space back into use, we are not only preserving an important part of the borough’s identity, but also creating high-quality, modern facilities that will support learning, skills and regeneration for years to come.” Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive, Tyne Coast College.”
Cllr David Royal, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Investment and Regeneration, said: “16 Barrington Street is an important part of South Shields’ historic townscape, and it’s fantastic to see that its original character will be so carefully protected and brought back to life. This scheme strikes the right balance between preserving the building’s distinctive Victorian features and ensuring it can play a meaningful role in the town’s future as an integral part of this modern new campus.”
Matt Thomas, design director, Castle, said: “Together with GSSArchitecture, we were delighted to host a visit by Generation 4 Change to the site. As a business with headquarters in South Tyneside, we are proud to have been appointed as principal contractor on a scheme that acknowledges the proud commercial heritage of the borough and which will be perfectly complemented by a new, modern style campus that points very firmly to the future.”
“The refurbishment of Barrington Street is a powerful statement of our commitment to both heritage and future opportunity in South Tyneside.
By bringing this historic space back into use, we are not only preserving an important part of the borough’s identity, but also creating high-quality, modern facilities that will support learning, skills and regeneration for years to come.” Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive, Tyne Coast College.”
Cllr David Royal, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Investment and Regeneration, said: “16 Barrington Street is an important part of South Shields’ historic townscape, and it’s fantastic to see that its original character will be so carefully protected and brought back to life. This scheme strikes the right balance between preserving the building’s distinctive Victorian features and ensuring it can play a meaningful role in the town’s future as an integral part of this modern new campus.”
