Plans have been revealed for a striking glass-fronted office which could transform the South Tyneside riverside.
Proposals have been drawn up for a four-storey building on Harton Quays Park, in the Mill Dam area of South Shields, which would serve up 50,000 sq ft of office space and the potential to provide hundreds of jobs.
Designs for the office, called The Glassworks, have been drawn up by Newcastle-based firm Ryder Architecture, which has been appointed by South Tyneside Council and its partner, urban regeneration firm Muse Developments.
The firm will now work on detailed designs ahead of a public consultation and a planning application being submitted early next year, with initial proposals including basement parking and a roof terrace showcasing 360-degree panoramic views.
The proposed development forms a focal part of the multimillion-pound Holborn regeneration masterplan, which will transform the brownfield land on disused docks into what aims to be a vibrant living, working and cultural quarter.
The name The Glassworks takes its inspiration from the industrial heritage of the site, where the chimney from the former glassworks remains.
A landscaped deck would cascade towards the Grade II listed Customs House with views across the regenerated promenade and River Tyne.
Council leader Iain Malcolm said: “This is an exciting development in the regeneration of South Shields and our ambitions for Holborn.
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“This stunning building would start the transformation of a vacant site into a bustling quarter, complementing the considerable investment that has already gone into this area, and strengthening the links between the riverside and the town centre.
“Holborn will be a sought-after location for living, working and entertainment, for both residents and visitors.
“This office development is just the start of that, attracting new businesses to the town and helping to generate jobs for local people.”
It is hoped The Glassworks would pave the way for further office space on the Holborn site, part of which was awarded Enterprise Zone status after a successful bid supported by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.
David Wells, regional director at Muse Developments, said: “We’re proud to welcome Ryder to the team and be moving forward with The Glassworks - a stunning building that blends the town’s heritage with the its aspirations for the future.
“This new building will repuropose a key area in South Tyneside and create a vibrant waterside office community in the heart of the town.”
Jonny Seebacher, architectural director at Ryder, added: “Our proposal provides the next significant step in the regeneration of South Shields, revitalising the Quay area as an exciting place to live, work and play.
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“The Glassworks will create the vital link between South Shields town centre and the Holborn Enterprise zone and provide much needed grade A office accommodation for established and emerging digital companies, enabling to them stay, grow and flourish in South Tyneside.”
The Holborn scheme secured £9.4m from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the delivery of a future phase of office accommodation.
Keepmoat, working in partnership with Cussins, has already been appointed as preferred development partner to deliver housing at the area.