A pair of derelict Grade II listed Georgian townhouses have been brought back from the brink and transformed into six stunning homes.
Numbers 11 and 12 Northumberland Square in North Shields are now on the market as five apartments and a townhouse and have been attracting strong interest from buyers.
Built between 1810 and 1816, the grandeur of the buildings has been restored with the addition of modern living spaces, new sash windows, stylish fitted kitchens and eco-efficient heating systems.
It follows the successful redevelopment of former offices at 13-16 Northumberland Square into 28 homes and completes the sympathetic restoration of the historic square in the centre of North Shields.
The rescue and repair was led by North Tyneside Council, which bought the two abandoned townhouses and worked with contractor Compass Developments to transform them into desirable homes. Several North Shields-based firms were involved in the build - Classic Masonry, Hastie Burton Joinery and AJ Walton Surveying.
The former office buildings had suffered years of decay and damage, with caved in roofs, fallen ceilings, vandalism, flooding and missing sections of floor.
Securing the future of the townhouses helps protect the heritage of the Northumberland Square conservation area, which is considered the nearest thing Tyneside has to the celebrated Georgian squares of London, Bath, Edinburgh, and Dublin.
It’s all part of North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for North Shields, which is creating a more vibrant town centre with easier access to the Fish Quay, more options for retail, a stronger evening and weekend economy and smart new public spaces. At the nearby former Unicorn House site, work is underway on 28 new affordable homes by housing association Karbon Homes.
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, said: “The transformation that has taken place in these elegant Georgian buildings is superb.
“They had fallen into a dreadful state of disrepair and were just a derelict shell. Now they have a new lease of life as six fantastic, eco-efficient homes with views over Northumberland Square and all the town centre facilities and transport links on their doorstep.
“This part of North Shields has had millions of pounds worth of investment and regeneration work, thanks to successful bids for Government funding by North Tyneside Council. It is enjoying a new chapter, meaning these beautiful Georgian buildings can be appreciated by future generations.”
Tynemouth MP Sir Alan Campbell said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in the revival of these Georgian townhouses, especially the local firms which played a part. This is another important step in the regeneration of North Shields.”
Graham Anderson, chairman of Compass Developments said: “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with North Tyneside Council on their ambitious regeneration of North Shields.
“Restoring these beautiful Grade II-listed townhouses has been a fantastic opportunity, and the result is six stunning new properties with exceptional views of historic Northumberland Square.
"Collaborating with the Council and local stakeholders has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The high-quality homes we have developed not only enhance the local area but also preserve the unique Georgian charm that makes North Shields so special.
"At Compass Developments, we take great pride in creating homes that honour the past while embracing the future. This project is a testament to our commitment to quality and community, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome."
Tim Brook Architect, who has been instrumental in the design of the project, has been involved from the start.
He said: “The building always had great potential both as a heritage asset to the Square as well as being an important part of the residential offer in the town centre.
“The conversion has been able to balance both these key objectives. The use of excellent local trades on key elements of the work was a key part of the success, as well as having Compass on board as main contractor.”
Enquiries about 11-12 Northumberland Square should be directed to Jan Forster Estate Agents on (0191) 257 2000.
Photo caption (L-R): Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, Tynemouth MP Sir Alan Campbell, architect Tim Brook, Compass Developments Director Stephen O’Neill, North Tyneside Council Project Manager Fergus Mitchell, North Tyneside Council Housing Growth Manager Richard Brook, Compass Developments Site Manager Ken Jones.
