Town eyesore will soon be no more
Courtesy of the Shields Gazette @
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/local-news/town-eyesore-will-soon-be-no-more-1-5564310
Town eyesore will soon be no more
Published on 08/04/2013 14:45
AN eyesore building in South Shields Market Place is rapidly disappearing before townsfolk’s eyes.
Wouldhave House, an infamous blot on the town’s urban landscape for decades, will soon be no more.
Demolition of the 1960s architectural relic marks the first stage of a £100m regeneration of the town centre.
The bulldozing of the former office block and retail outlets, being carried out by North Tyneside firm Owen Pugh on behalf of South Tyneside Council, is progressing rapidly after getting under way at the rear of the concrete-framed building.
The first stage in a process expected to take 14 weeks saw contractors removing electrical appliances and cables, as well as fixtures and fittings. The next stage – removing concrete panels, taking the roof off, then removing the three floors in turn – has been completed on the rear section facing Ferry Approach.
As work continues, additional screening will be added to the building’s frontage to control dust generated by the demolition. A mural of men in a fishing boat on the gable end of the building facing the river has also now gone for ever.
Coun Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “It is great to see the demolition moving ahead so fast, and this is a key step towards a better future for South Shields town centre.
“Wouldhave House is an eyesore which we plan to replace with two quality buildings, including a new library and cultural centre.
“In spite of difficult economic times, we are investing in bold and ambitious plans to deliver regeneration and jobs for the borough.”
The demolition is part of South Shields 365, a £100m masterplan to make the town centre an attractive destination for visitors every day of the year, with a new cinema and retail and leisure facilities poised to be built.
For further details of the South Shields 365 masterplan, visit
www.southshields365.co.uk
The wall mural as it was:
Image hosted on
www.steve-ellwood.org.uk