Breathing new life into old shipyard
WORK HAS STARTED ON NORTH SHIELDS FLATS
WORK has started on a new set of apartments at a former shipyard site in North Shields.
The eye-catching buildings, known as the Smokehouses, are being constructed at Smith’s Dock by developers Places for People and Urban Splash.
The team received planning permission for the scheme, designed by architects Simpson Haugh, last year.
The two new buildings will include 80 apartments with a mixture of one, two and three bedrooms, and will offer stunning views of the river and docks.
The scheme, due to be completed in 2018, will also include ground floor retail space which will sit alongside a pedestrian route along the riverfront.
The Smokehouses mark the second phase of the regeneration of Smith’s Dock.
During the first phase, 24 factorybuilt houses were installed on a site called The Plateau and the homes were launched for sale last month.
In addition, 10 more homes are being designed by TV architect George Clarke, who is known for programme’s such as Channel 4’s Restoration Man and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. These homes, which will also be built in a factory, are due to be launched later this year.
Meanwhile, a team from Robertson North East England has moved onto the site to start work on the Smokehouses.
Nigel Brewer, of Places for People, said: “There’s a swathe of activity on site right now as we begin constructing the Smokehouses.
“The buildings are another brilliant addition to the community we’re creating at Smith’s Dock and a demonstration of our commitment to bringing the site’s overall masterplan to life – something which will ultimately bring a variety of new and exciting space including a green public space, homes, workspace, as well as a retail and leisure offering.”
Garry Hope, regional managing director at Robertson, added: “We are delighted to be a part of this momentous regeneration scheme. The site is abuzz with activity and it won’t be long before the community can start to see the Smokehouses take shape.”
The Smith’s Dock development has been designed with the shipyard’s heritage in mind. The Smokehouses will have a similar form and scale to the adjacent Brewery Bond development – to ensure they sit naturally into the landscape.
David Green, of Simpson Haugh, said: “The Smokehouses design takes inspiration from the existing industrial buildings along the quayside and local smokehouses.”