The regeneration of a former North Tyneside shipyard is continuing apace, following the announcement that properties at the Smith’s Dock development on North Shields Fish Quay are now over 90% sold.
In the two short years since the properties were released for sale, Smith’s Dock has welcomed over 100 homebuyers to the contemporary collection of living spaces on the River Tyne, and contributed to the wider transformation of the North Shields Fish Quay into a destination of choice.
Joint venture partners, Urban Splash and Places for People, are now advancing plans to deliver future elements of the Smith’s Dock masterplan with work underway to bring the next stage of the development to the market.
Increased attention and new investment have helped support a range of vibrant new leisure and commercial opportunities in the local area, making the North Shields Fish Quay one of the most up-and-coming destinations on North Tyneside.
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE said: “I am delighted to see the exciting transformation of the former Smith’s Dock shipyard really taking shape. It was also brilliant to see the area feature on a national scale in the recent Tour of Britain cycle race.
“The regeneration work taking place there has already hugely improved the area and is adding to the work being carried out by the council and our partners to breathe new life into North Shields.
“The link road through the Smith’s Dock development connects the Fish Quay directly to Royal Quays, providing a much quicker route and also features walking and cycling paths.
“It’s also great to see new businesses opening up in the area and the changes really complement the various other developments to make the Fish Quay a wonderful place to live, work or visit.”
Plans for Smith’s Dock were officially launched in 2016 with details unveiled for a first phase development of 80 waterfront apartments and 33 townhouses designed to transform the former shipyard into a residential and commercial location.
The distinctive Smith’s Dock townhouses – situated on the site known as the Plateau – are now subject to a waiting list for those who missed out on the first release of properties with buyers eagerly awaiting a future phase of the three-bedroom properties.
The Smokehouses, designed by architects Simpson Haugh, have 8 of the original 80 apartments remaining for sale just 18 months following their release. Featuring penthouse and duplex styles, the Smokehouses offer some of the finest views on the River Tyne with remaining apartments priced from £160,000.
Guy Ackernley, Residential Director on behalf of the JV comments: “Sales at Smith’s Dock really gathered pace over the past 18 months as the buildings took shape and the true value of living in this location became apparent. The residents hold regular events and activities to encourage social interaction and develop pride in the local environment which contributes to a wonderfully upbeat and friendly atmosphere across the whole development.
“We were confident that our plans for this historic site would be welcomed but the reaction from buyers, particularly for the apartments at the Smokehouses, were very encouraging. It ensured our longer-term goal to deliver the Smith’s Dock masterplan featuring new residential properties, workspaces, watersports, retail areas and public parks can now advance to the next stage of planning.”
The Smith’s Dock masterplan was unveiled in March 2018 and offered a first-hand look at the site-wide vision to extend the community towards Royal Quays Marina. With the first commercial outlet now open at the Smokehouses in the form of the well-received 31 The Quay restaurant, expectations for what will feature in future phases at Smith’s Dock are high.
Nigel Brewer, Planning and Design Director for Places for People added: ‘With a contemporary design, prime position on the river and vibrant local neighbourhood, Smith’s Dock is a regeneration scheme which has had a real impact on the wider area. The sheer range and quality of businesses opening on the Fish Quay over the last 12 months serves to highlight how the area has grown as a destination without losing its unique character.
“Smith’s Dock is one of the many catalysts for this step-change in North Shields Fish Quay and one that will be of great benefit to all residents who contribute so readily to this area. Given the longer-term masterplan for Smith’s Dock to act as the bridge between the Royal Quays Marina and North Shields Fish Quay, the future certainly looks bright for this growing riverside community.”
