Work to revitalise a 200-year-old Georgian terrace in the heart of North Shields is taking shape.
The Grade II listed property in Northumberland Square is being restored as part of a £5.6m scheme to create 28 high quality houses and apartments, with secure courtyard parking and gardens to the rear.
Significant structural repairs are being carried out inside the three-storey building, while scaffolding has been erected with extensive walkways in readiness for a new roof to be installed.
Built between 1810 and 1816, the once-handsome building has been unoccupied for more than 10 years and is largely derelict.
The redevelopment is being carried out by Aurora Properties, acting on behalf of North Tyneside Council, with construction work by Compass Developments Ltd.
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “Northumberland Square is one of our most important local landmarks and a conservation area with architecture that only exists in a handful of British towns and cities.
“These new homes will be redeveloped to an exceptionally high standard, with great care and respect for these historic properties and the distinctive character and heritage of this lovely square.”
A team of local craftspeople will be brought in restore original features such as ornate plaster mouldings, while the façade will be given a refresh using stone quarried in Northumberland.
The project is expected to deliver an economic boost that will increase footfall for local businesses and complement regeneration efforts in the town.
The square, a conservation area, is considered to be the nearest thing Tyneside has to the celebrated Georgian squares of London, Bath, Edinburgh and Dublin.
The transformation will take an estimated 18 months to complete in total.
