Hundreds back revival of South Shields Old Town Hall

South Tyneside Council gathered feedback earlier this year on potential uses for South Shields Old Town Hall, with the majority of participants eager to see the Grade I-listed building preserved and brought back into use.

The structure, which is more than 250 years old, has served as a market hub, courthouse, wartime shelter, and exhibition space over its long history.

It still features many original elements, including its arches, timber turret, and the market bell.

Hundreds took part in the consultation, with four in five respondents emphasising the importance of preserving and reusing historic buildings.

More than 80 per cent supported transforming the Old Town Hall into a heritage and history attraction.

Suggestions also included a space for arts, crafts, classes and exhibitions; a good focus point for local history tours and walks, heritage events; and somewhere where people would want to come and maybe have a drink on the weekend.

Cllr Dave Royal, Lead Member for economic growth, investment and regeneration at South Tyneside Council, said: “It’s clear that there is a lot of civic pride attached to this much-loved landmark.

Cllr Dave Royal at South Shields Old Town Hall. (Image: South Tyneside Council/Tim Richardson)

“Local people would like it brought back into use in a way that respects its heritage, supports the market and helps breathe new life into this part of the town centre.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views, and this feedback will now be used to help shape a deliverable plan for the Old Town Hall.”

Businesses favoured ideas that would complement the surrounding marketplace, including pop-up or market space and a café.

Nine out of ten believed bringing the building back into use would improve the area, and almost half said it would create a stronger sense of pride.

Many shared personal memories of the building and ideas for sensitive restoration, alongside suggestions to improve accessibility and enhance the space around it to be more welcoming.

The council opened the consultation after securing funding from the government’s Community Regeneration Partnership fund.

One respondent described it as “one of those landmarks that’s tied up with the identity of South Shields – it’s part of the historic heart of the town centre.”

Another suggested it could be “a space for arts, crafts, classes and exhibitions,” while others saw it as an ideal starting point for “a good focus point for local history tours and walks, heritage events.”

The council will now use the consultation findings, alongside further technical and feasibility work, to help shape options for the future of the Old Town Hall.