BUILDING A COLLEGE FOR THE FUTURE

STAY INFORMED

NEW BUILD NEWS

The £95m redevelopment of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School is a transformational project to build a new campus in the heart of South Shields town centre. It also includes the redevelopment of existing buildings into additional facilities, as well as new Halls of Residence.

Set to open in September 2027, the new 15,000 sqm campus marks a major investment in education and regeneration.

The project is funded by ourselves, the Department for Education, the North East Combined Authority and UK Government. It is being delivered in partnership with South Tyneside Council, who are also funders.

The new campus will provide state of the art facilities for further education, marine training and technical skills. Once complete, it is expected to attract thousands of learners and visitors each year, boost local businesses and play a pivotal role in supporting skills, jobs and economic growth across South Tyneside and the wider region.

Stay Connected as Our New Campus Takes Shape

We know how important this development is to our community and stakeholders, and we’re committed to keeping you informed. To receive regular updates, key milestones, and news from the project, sign up to our stakeholder bulletin.

'Golden Bolt' seals the steel

The steel frame of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School’s £95m campus is now complete, celebrated with the symbolic tightening of the ‘golden bolt’. Set to open in September 2027, the 15,000sqm campus will bring world-class learning facilities, jobs, and new energy to the town centre.

L-R: Dr Malcolm Grady, Chair of Governors at Tyne Coast College; Captain Aseem Hashmi, Fleet Captain at Cunard; Simon Ashton, Principal, South Shields Marine School; Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive of Tyne Coast College

“Our relocation will play a key role in boosting local business, equipping people with the work and life skills they need to succeed and supporting the economic growth of the region. It will ensure the long-term viability of the college and our internationally respected Marine School, and generations of future learners will benefit from the most modern and high-quality facilities.”

L-R: Simon Ashton, Principal, South Shields Marine School; Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive of Tyne Coast College; Dr Malcolm Grady, Chair of Governors at Tyne Coast College

Latest News...

Next Community Engagement Drives Progress on College Relocation

Community engagement is playing a central role in the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, as construction activity continues on the new town-centre campus. Delivered by Castle in partnership with Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, the project is already creating opportunities for students, schools, community groups and local businesses — with activity set to grow throughout 2026. Read more about how the project is supporting students and the local community below. [January 2026]

Community Engagement at the Heart of Tyne Coast College’s New Campus Project

Castle, the main contractor for the £95m relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, has launched a new community and stakeholder engagement programme. The project will deliver a 15,000 sq. metre campus in South Shields town centre, including modern college facilities, student accommodation and more. The programme includes school visits, work experience, construction updates and local job opportunities, helping keep the community informed and involved throughout the build. Find out more and stay connected: Castle Community Engagement [September 2025]

Riverside Building Earmarked for Student Accommodation

A stunning riverfront building in South Shields town centre has been earmarked for student accommodation. One Harton Quay could be repurposed and brought back into use as a 125-bed student facility under plans to relocate South Tyneside College. South Tyneside Council - Leader Cllr Tracey Dixon, Cllr Marraret Melling, Castle's Tony Lister, and Tyne Coast College's Dr Lindsey Whiterod [July 2025]

Multi-Million-Pound Regeneration Project Underway

South Shields town centre is set for major transformation, with work now underway on the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School. In public consultation carried out by South Tyneside Council, more than 80 percent of people who responded backed the idea of the college relocation, believing it would lead to a livelier town centre and help to sustain new and existing businesses. [June 2025]

North East Mayor backs £18m funding boost for south shields town centre college plans

A major project to transform South Shields town centre has received a multi-million-pound funding boost. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority have agreed in principle to award up to £18.2m towards the relocation of South Tyneside College and world-renowned South Shields Marine School. [March 2025]

Contractor on board for college relocation

Castle has been appointed to deliver the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School to a new 15,000 sqm campus in South Shields town centre.

The college gets the green light to build a multi-million-pound campus in the heart of South Shields

South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School have received approval to build a new multi-million-pound campus in South Shields town centre, supported by £20m of government funding. The project will see the college relocate from its Westoe site, helping attract more students and support wider regeneration. [October 2023]

RELOCATION START ON SITE

Heart of the community

This exciting new build is a collaborative partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, expertly delivered by award-winning construction company Castle. Funding for the project comes from the college, the North East Combined Authority, the Department for Education, and additional public sector partners.

Castle Stakeholder and Community Engagement