Luxury at the shipyard
DEVELOPERS REVEAL PLANS FOR HOMES AND RESTAURANTS AT DOCKS
WITH plush apartments and riverside restaurants, this place looks like it could be somewhere exotic.
But this is a vision of what a former shipyard right here in the North East could look like some years from now.
The artist’s impression of Smith’s Dock, in North Shields, was produced by Places for People and Urban Splash, in partnership with Simpson Haugh.
It shows a waterside community developing around three docks where ships used to be repaired.
The developers say the area will become a hub of activity with plans for an event space, water sports like diving or kayaking, floating restaurants and offices.
The docks are to be surrounded by housing and other retail units.
To date, 34 factory-built homes have been installed at the site – 10 of them designed by TV architect George Clarke.
And work is currently under way to construct 80 apartments in two buildings named The Smokehouses.
The site will ultimately feature around 800 homes, and the riverside will be opened up to provide a direct link between the Fish Quay and Royal Quays.
As a result, people will be able to walk and cycle along the whole stretch of the river.
The developers are keen to retain the site’s shipbuilding history.
“As well as keeping the three docks, there will be a chance to install artwork, sculptures, reclaimed artefacts and history boards to reflect the area’s maritime heritage.
Nigel Brewer, of Places for People, said: “The heritage and history of the site are absolutely critical to us.
“We are keeping the three docks deliberately as they are fundamental to the whole project.
“We are trying to connect the Fish Quay and Royal Quays, and in order to do that we need to develop the area into a destination.
“Part of that is to have activities around the docks – these will be not just for the residents here but for the whole community.
“I’ve been involved in this project for many years now and it really is exciting to have reached this stage – with the masterplan evolved into a real deliverable vision for how Smith’s Dock will continue to be transformed.”
The team is already in discussions with businesses who may be interested in having a base at Smith’s Dock but is keen to hear from other independent restaurants, cafe owners or water sport providers who may wish to be involved. The Smokehouses, designed by Simpson Haugh, will include one, two and three-bed properties and will be ready for occupation from early next year. Prices start from £125,000. Stuart Wheeler, of Simpson Haugh, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see the Smokehouses take shape, one of the first phases of the Smith’s Dock masterplan we’ve been developing with Places for People since 2009. “Inspired by the site’s rich history, and in collaboration with Places for People and Urban Splash, we’re creating unique, light-filled and spacious homes, the quality of which sets a benchmark for the rest of the development of the landmark site.” The 10 Fab Houses, designed by Sunderland-born Mr Clarke, are priced from £225,000.