SOUTH Tyneside Council has agreed a multi-million-pound fee for new offices in Jarrow, before its dilapidated premises at South Shields are demolished.
The council has bought two office buildings on Viking Business Park in a deal understood to be worth several million pounds, to replace Wouldhave House, in the centre of South Shields, which has long been dubbed a blot on the landscape.
The offices are currently occupied by BT South Tyneside Ltd staff, who are due to be relocated.
Coun Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The council has acquired Strathmore House and Hawthorne House. The two premises were offered as a package at a very competitive price. These costs will be recovered from rental income.
“Acquiring Hawthorne House allows us to demolish Wouldhave House and relocate BT South Tyneside staff to more efficient, cost-effective premises.
“This paves the way for major regeneration in the South Shields market place and town centre.
“It will also allow us to consolidate BT South Tyneside staff in one building.
“The two premises will provide BT South Tyneside with flagship buildings to reinforce its presence and help attract new contracts to South Tyneside.”
The two offices, totaling 67,387sq ft were sold to South Tyneside Council by Leeds-based Regent Capital.
The 21,942sq ft Strathmore building is let to South Tyneside Homes and the adjacent 45,445sq ft Hawthorne building is multi-let and part vacant.
