A major piece of North Shields’ industrial history is set to be torn down, as North Tyneside Council submits plans to demolish several unsafe buildings at the former Tyne Brand factory site on the town’s Fish Quay.
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00:00A major piece of North Shield's industrial history is set to be torn down as North Tyneside Council submits plans to demolish several unsafe buildings at the former Tyne brand factory site on the town's Fish Cay.
00:13The factory, which closed in the 1970s, was once a thriving centre of industry, dating back to 1901, when local Tola owners established the Shield's Ice and Cold Storage Company.
00:23Over the decades, it's evolved from producing ice to cannon fish, meat, soup and jam, becoming a significant employer for the North Shield's community.
00:33However, after decades of disuse and deterioration, the site has now been labelled dangerous under a Section 77 order of the Building Act 1984.
00:43Council documents cite serious public safety concerns, with parts of the structure at risk of imminent collapse.
00:49The report also highlights repeated fires over the past 10 years, widespread antisocial behaviour, drug use and rough sleeping on the site, despite security measures to keep people out.
01:01Plans to regenerate the area are already in motion. The site was earmarked for housing last year and Newcastle-based developer Lugano Property Group had expressed interest in building between 100 and 140 homes.
01:13The early vision included a new public square at Brewhouse Bank and a garden area for the neighbouring Low Lights pub.
01:22However, the Council admits the complex condition of the site makes any redevelopment a significant challenge.
01:27And so far, no firm proposals have moved forward. Demolition will focus on buildings that are interconnected and structurally unstable, with the Council saying the next phase is critical to both public safety and unlocking future regeneration opportunities.
01:43Thank you very much.