Work is underway to transform One Harton Quay into modern student accommodation as part of the exciting relocation of South Shields Marine School and South Tyneside College to South Shields town centre.
The striking four-storey, glass‑fronted building—originally designed to resemble the bow of a ship—will be brought back into use as high‑quality accommodation. It will be occupied by national and international students studying at South Shields Marine School.
The development will offer comfortable and modern living spaces, including bedrooms arranged in clusters, shared lounges, kitchens and study areas, as well as a staffed reception. While the building’s exterior will remain largely unchanged, extensive internal refurbishment is currently taking place to create a welcoming student environment.
The accommodation forms part of the wider South Shields Marine School relocation project, which will see the College move from its current Westoe site to a new state-of-the-art town centre campus. The project is being delivered through a partnership between Tyne Coast College, South Tyneside Council and construction partner Castle.
Together, the new campus and student accommodation will create a connected learning experience, placing students at the heart of South Shields and within easy reach of local amenities, transport links and the riverside.
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. Alongside the new college building, this development will play a vital role in attracting students, strengthening the local economy and helping to realise our shared vision for the regeneration of South Shields town centre. We are delighted to see progress continuing across both projects as we move closer to welcoming students to an exceptional new learning environment in 2027.”
Councillor Dave Royal, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Investment and Regeneration at South Tyneside Council, said:
“Part of our regeneration ambition is focused on strengthening the connection between the town centre and the riverside. Generating footfall between the main campus and the student accommodation will do exactly that, bringing in revenue for new and existing businesses. It will complement the investment going into the Mill Dam area and help create a modern campus and accommodation offer for our young people.”
Progress is continuing at pace on the main campus, where construction work started in summer 2025.
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. It is a landmark building overlooking the River Tyne and we are proud to refurbish it for a new, exciting future.”
The main building will be accessed on King Street, with a double-height glass atrium behind the reception entrance. A second entrance will be provided along Barrington Street, linking the building to the main campus.
It is anticipated that the new college will be ready to welcome students in the September 2027 intake.
Find out the latest information and updates on our new build and relocation here.