GSSArchitecture leads South Shields refurb
Works are progressing on the grade two-listed 16 Barrington Street in South Shields, with the Victorian landmark set to provide office accommodation and form a gateway to the new South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School campus once complete.
South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School are being relocated from Westhoe to the centre of town, in an effort to regenerate the area.
The college relocation project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, delivered by Hebburn-based Castle.
Plans for a 15,000 sq ft main building, a riverside student accommodation block, and the refurbishment of the Victorian building were given the go-ahead in 2023, with work commencing this summer.
The project combines specialist conservation techniques with contemporary design interventions to ensure the building meets modern workplace requirements while preserving its historic character.
The refurbishment includes extensive masonry repairs, restoration of the building’s historic bay windows and original timber porch, and the conservation of the former boardroom, where the original stained-glass window will once again become a focal feature.
Internally, the removal of a later mezzanine floor will create a double-height entrance space designed to maximise natural light, while original architectural features, including the mahogany picture rails within the main staircase, are being retained and enhanced as part of the restoration.
Funding has been provided by Tyne Coast College, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, 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 at Castle, said: “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.”
Dr Lindsey Whiterod, chief executive of Tyne Coast College, said: “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.”
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.”
