Tyne Coast College has submitted a planning application to South Tyneside Council’s planning department for its One Harton Quay purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development.
The scheme would transform a riverside office building in South Shields into a 125-bedroom PBSA development. The four-storey glass building previously served as BT’s business centre. A verdict on the proposal is anticipated following the conclusion of a council consultation period.
“The building will be re-purposed into a modern 125-bedroom high quality student accommodation, comprising of en-suite bedrooms arranged in clusters with communal lounge and kitchen facilities for each cluster.
“There will a small number of individual studios, providing the college with flexible accommodation, with necessary amenities including reception, security facilities management and laundry.”
Design and Access Statement, Castle Design
The riverside building is highly accessible by public transport and local amenities are available on foot and by cycle. The proposed scheme would be car free for students, with plans for the cycle parking to include 13 internal spaces to the current 42, ensuring they are in a secure and sheltered location.
39 existing car parking spaces are present, with 12 required for plant and cycle parking, five allocated for employees of the halls of residence, and 22 designated for students’ drop-off / pick-up at the beginning and end of terms / occupancy.
“The existing building is set in a prominent setting on the banks of the Tyne with excellent proximity to South Shields’ town centre and its local facilities.
“The scheme offers an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate the building which has been unoccupied for over 12 months and ensure its future use.”
Design and Access Statement, Castle Design
These plans are part of a larger project to relocate South Tyneside College from its Westoe base to South Shields town centre, with One Harton Quay earmarked as a key site to facilitate this move.
Approval has been secured for the construction of South Tyneside College’s new 14,000 sqm campus, along with the restoration of the Grade-II listed Barrington Street edifice that will serve as the administrative core and staff offices.
“The fantastic building would be the perfect riverside location for our South Shields Marine School students.”
Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive, South Tyneside College
