Community engagement activities linked to the new build South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, are gaining in momentum.
A central focus is building relationships with schools, young people and students.
The build project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, delivered by award-winning construction company Castle. Funding has been provided by Tyne Coast College, the North East Combined Authority as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ drive to revitalise high streets, the Department for Education and the UK Government.
Year Two T Level students studying Building Services Engineering for Construction at South Tyneside College were the first construction students welcomed on site. They received an overview of Castle, toured the site and learned about completed works and upcoming construction activities.
Castle has also engaged with the Ocean Road Centre in South Shields, inviting its youth group to meet the build team and attend a presentation about the new college, which is at an early stage of construction. Through this partnership, Castle connected with South Tyneside community choir Choirmaster, which performed carols on site in the run-up to Christmas.
Engagement with the local business community has also gathered pace. Castle’s operations director, Chris Meadowcroft, appeared on the Business Talks podcast hosted by Invest South Tyneside at One Trinity Green, where he shared his career journey, the company’s recent growth and the lifecycle of the college relocation project.
The relocation will deliver a new 15,000 sq. metre campus on King Street, South Shields. The scheme also includes the repair and upgrade of a listed building on Barrington Street.
During 2026, site tours will be arranged for community groups, local businesses and key sector organisations. Other initiatives include Castle acting as headline sponsor of the Best of South Tyneside Awards in March 2026.
Craig Muldoon, divisional director at Castle, said: “In partnership with Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council, we are committed to engaging closely with the local community. Together, we are exploring ways to support students throughout the lifetime of the project, including work experience.
“Engagement with schools and youth groups is a priority. At a time when the construction sector faces a skills crisis, we want to show young people the range of exciting career opportunities available. There is no better way than by showcasing this new education facility in the heart of South Shields.
“We have a dedicated stakeholder and community engagement website to ensure local businesses have the opportunity to be involved in this project.”
Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive of Tyne Coast College, said: “Moving into the heart of South Shields is a major milestone for our college and community. Our new campus will provide world-class facilities in a vibrant town-centre location, raising aspirations and supporting local growth. We’re delighted to be working with Castle, whose commitment to community engagement mirrors our shared ambition to change lives.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, added: “This landmark project is about more than bricks and mortar. By supporting young people, local organisations and the South Tyneside Pledge, Castle is helping ensure the benefits of this investment stay in our borough. It’s exciting to see the campus taking shape as a cornerstone of our long-term regeneration ambitions.”
For further information on the new build and to sign up to receive regular updates, please visit: www.stc.ac.uk/new-build
Progress can also be viewed at the Castle Stakeholder and Community Engagement website.
www.castlecommunity.co.uk
