South Shields eyesore to be demolished
An unsightly building in the centre of South Shields market place area is to be demolished, according to the local authority.
Wouldhave House is to face demolition next year, as part of the continuing regeneration project of the riverside area. The news that the 1960s block is to be demolished has been welcomed by local people, who have long considered it one of the most unsightly buildings in the town.
The building currently houses around 200 workers for the South Tyneside Borough Council, but plans are already in place to relocate them. The local authority has acquired a number of premises located in the base of Wouldhave House, including the Commando pub. It is in negotiations to buy out the remaining tenants, including Franchi’s Café and Ladbrokes.
The council's lead member for regeneration, Michael Clare, said that the demolition would "breathe new life" in to the market place.
"We have always said we would do this. The building is a blot on the landscape, and I'm sure people will be pleased to see it finally coming down," he said.
"Once the site is cleared, it will provide an opportunity for attractive new commercial development, which will not only link our town centre with the new riverside park, but broaden the current town centre and breathe new life into the market place."
