South Shields' One Harton Quay set to become student accommodation

A landmark riverside building is set for a new lease of life as part of a major redevelopment.

Located in South Shields, the One Harton Quay building will soon serve as student accommodation for the relocated South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, forming part of a wider regeneration scheme to move the college from its Westoe site to a new 15,000sqm campus in the town centre.

The four-storey, glass-fronted building, designed to resemble the bow of a ship, will be refurbished to provide student bedrooms arranged in clusters, along with communal lounges, kitchens, study areas, and a staffed reception.

Councillor Dave Royal, lead member for economic growth, investment and regeneration at South Tyneside Council, said: "This is the next piece of the jigsaw in this transformational scheme.

"One Harton Quay is a real landmark on the riverside and it will be fantastic to bring it back into use."

The project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, and is being delivered by construction company Castle.

Funding has come from Tyne Coast College, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, the Department for Education, South Tyneside Council, and the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.

Public consultation carried out by the council in 2022 showed strong support for the college relocation, with more than 80 per cent of respondents backing the vision for a livelier town centre and improved educational facilities.

Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, chief executive of Tyne Coast College, said: "The start of works at One Harton Quay marks another significant milestone in the transformation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School.

"Providing high-quality student accommodation in the heart of the town will help us create a vibrant, connected campus experience and support learners from across the region and beyond."

The main campus, where construction began in summer 2025, will feature a double-height glass atrium and be primarily accessed via King Street, with a second entrance on Barrington Street linking the building to the main campus.

Craig Muldoon, divisional director - Build, at Castle, said: "With the main campus progressing well, our teams are now focussed on One Harton Quay.

"Preparatory works are well underway and we will deliver this latest part of the project so that completion is in line with the timing of the overall scheme."

The new college is expected to open to students in September 2027.