Plans for South Shields student flats development include 'green roof' installation

Plans have been put forward for a significant student flats project in South Shields, with the application now with South Tyneside Council's planning department. The ambitious scheme targets 58-68 Ocean Road, where the corner building intersects with Anderson Street right at the heart of the town.

The location currently accommodates the Workwear and Schoolwear Company on the ground floor, alongside the vacant Roxanne’s nightclub in the basement and an unused bar/nightclub spread across the upper stories, as detailed in the submitted planning brief. The new vision for the premises is to maintain the retail space on the ground level while transforming and possibly extending the rest of the structure to introduce an array of residential units.

Specifically, the proposal talks of creating 30 self-contained studio apartments and establishing two six-bedroom HMOs or 'cluster apartments', with the initiative envisioned primarily as "student accommodation". Introduced by Regal Property Stroud Ltd, the development includes plans to construct a fresh "mansard roof" for a new third storey, demolish the outdated "glazed stair" feature, and erect a modern stair/lift entry on the western side of the edifice.

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Accompanying design documents characterise the proposed development as offering "residential co-living" opportunities, touting a total of 42 studio apartments, comprising predominantly one-bedroom studios and two “cluster co-living apartments”. The application also envisages housing six self-contained studio dwellings on the ground floor, complemented by a persisting commercial presence.

The proposed development includes a ground floor bin store, with the first and second floors each housing one six-bed cluster apartment and seven self-contained studio flats. The new third floor would feature 10 self-contained studio flats.

Communal kitchens are planned for the first and second floors, while the basement is set to include a "student social / study’ space", a gym, a cinema room, toilets, storage areas and cycle storage, according to the proposed floor plans. Developers have stated that the project would "contribute positively to the area [...] promoting sustainability and inclusivity throughout". They also noted that the design aims to strike a "balance between modern living needs, accessibility, and maintaining some elements of the [building’s] existing structure/character".

The design and access statement further adds: "The intended use for this development is to provide high quality serviced co-living accommodation and commercial space. The business use case for this proposal is to turn what has been a run down vacant nightclub into a project which can contribute positively to the area, offer high-quality living and commercial space, and promote sustainability and inclusivity throughout.

“Introducing residential spaces in the heart of the community can foster a more integrated neighbourhood. New residents can bring diversity and contribute to the social fabric of the area.

“We believe that new residential developments can attract local businesses, including cafés, shops, and other services catering to the needs of residents. The proposal of new residential flats with the commercial ground floor can stimulate the local economy and create job opportunities.”

One element of the flats plan also includes the installation of a “green roof” above the commercial unit facing Ocean Road with a “carefully designed mix of native and drought-resistant plants, creating a visually appealing green space for residents and visitors alike”. Developers said the green roof would help absorb rainwater, as well as “promoting local biodiversity by providing a habitat for birds, insects, and pollinators.”

A decision on the planning application for the Ocean Road site is expected to be made once a period of council consultation has concluded. Comments can be made on the flats plan, via South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website, until January 29, 2025.

For more information on the plan, visit the council’s planning portal website and search application reference number: ST/0740/24