Local construction students have been given hands-on experience repairing a historic building in North Shields.
Number 17 Northumberland Square is undergoing a meticulous programme of restoration work as part of the North Shields High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), a joint initiative between Historic England and North Tyneside Council.
Covering the area around Northumberland Square and Howard Street, the Heritage Action Zone is focused on the Georgian and Victorian gardens, streets, and buildings, constructed as a new commercial and residential area for those who made their wealth through the growth of trade and industry on the Tyne. The properties to the north of Northumberland Square, including 17 Northumberland Square, were originally homes for the wealthy middle-classes.
Local young people are gaining skills and experience through the HSHAZ heritage skills training programme. Construction students from Resources NE Ltd visited 17 Northumberland Square to see what heritage restoration involves first-hand. The eight young learners were given the opportunity to get hands-on experience repairing this historic building, helping them develop skills in traditional construction trades such as stone masonry. Trainee joiners will be visiting the site next week to develop their skills in traditional window repairs.
On February 7, there will be a ‘historic property owner’s workshop’ that will look into caring for traditional or historic buildings. This workshop is suitable for anyone who owns, manages, or looks after an older building, with lots of top tips for carrying out inspections, maintenance and repairs. The workshop will last approximately two hours and will include training and discussions at The Exchange, followed by a short walk around Northumberland Square and Howard Street.
Booking is essential via Eventbrite.
The North Shields High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) is a partnership between North Tyneside Council and Historic England.
The HAZ project, which is part of the council’s Ambition for North Shields and the Fish Quay regeneration Masterplan, is a four-year programme of physical improvements, as well as community and cultural activities. It is a place-based scheme designed to secure lasting improvements to historic high streets and the communities who use them.
The first phase of ambitious restoration work to North Shields town centre is now complete, with redevelopment of Northumberland Square and Howard Street recreating the Georgian-era appearance of the historic area, sympathetic to its heritage and roots.
The scheme, completed in September 2022, was the first step towards creating a new Cultural Quarter for North Shields, incorporating the Square and the top end of Howard Street (north of the Saville Street junction to the Square), offering a new, pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment and cultural scene.
North Shields is one of more than 60 High Street Heritage Action Zones around the country, part of a government-funded initiative and led by Historic England, which aims to breathe new life into local high streets, from regenerating historic buildings to engaging local communities through art and cultural projects.
