The Context

The site is surrounded by a number of listed buildings such as the Grade I listed Old Town Hall and the Grade II listed St Hilda’s Church.

The Grade I listed Old Town Hall stands in the centre of the Market Place, this is a key focal point in this public square which provides access to King Street, one of the principal shopping areas in South Shields Town Centre. This street is part of a mile long spine which is a key feature of the town’s historic urban grain. This straight route directly links the Riverside and Town Centre with the Foreshore area at the coast.

The Grade II listed St Hilda’s Church and churchyard fronts onto Church Street.

To the West of the site is the regenerated Harton Quays Park. The work undertaken at Harton Quays reinforces the historic relationship of South Shields with the River Tyne. The new landscaped promenade connects the site to The Customs House, a Grade II listed building that has been redeveloped to house a premier arts and entertainment centre.