A £12M residential development is set to reinvigorate North Shields fish quay by combining contemporary architecture within its historic and cultural setting.
The Fish Quay is the best place to explore the story of the port of North Shields. It is home to one of two prominent towers that were ‘leading lights’ for guiding ships away from the dangerous Black Middens rocks at Tynemouth and the treacherous Shields Bar at the mouth of the Tyne. Built around 1807, the Low Lights and High Lights first lit in 1810 and were in operation until decommissioned in the 1990s to be replaced by a new set of light towers. The original Low Light building is now a fascinating museum dedicated to the maritime heritage of the area and the history of the port of North Shields.
The area hosts an extensive range of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops served in both indoor and outdoor spaces to emphasise the beautiful, coastal landscape this corner of the world is so well known for. With restaurants and bars such as Allard’s, The Ship’s Cat, Salt Market Social and a vast selection of local seafood outlets, this is the perfect place to come for a celebratory meal or a drink.
The Shepherds Quay development, marketed by Bradley Hall only has six of the fifty units remaining owing to high demand since being released to the public in December 2021. The homes at Shepherds Quay range from £125,000 to £400,000 and boast a rich palette of materials, heritage inspired artwork and expertly architecturally designed homes.
Ian Stewart, Chief Executive at UKQ Residential Investments Ltd, the firm behind the significant regeneration project said: “Throughout this project we have combined history and heritage into every apartment to craft something of quality and importance. We have created a project that truly connects the buildings to the surrounding environment – meaning homeowners at Shepherds Quay will certainly enjoy the tranquil sounds and stunning views of the river, coastline, and natural landscape.
“There is a variety of choice for those living at Shepherds Quay, with an eclectic mix of some of the best local bars and restaurants, as well as boasting close proximity to Newcastle city centre via a variety of public transport services, or the A1058, known locally as the coast road.”
North Shields also offers a range of coastal walks, heritage trails, cycling routes and historic parks and gardens all on the doorstep and available to promote fitness and wellbeing, creating the opportunity of engagement bringing real pleasure to those that take part.
This development encourages opportunities for the inclusion of heritage inspired art works to enrich and invigorate this part of the Quay. Through drawing upon the rich pallet of materials to compliment the industrial history of the area including weathered timber boarding arranged in horizontal panels to mimic the timber fish trade buildings of times gone by – Shepherds Quay exhibits the areas fishing history in all its glory.
The brick work has been sensitively chosen to mirror the older brick buildings which surround the Shepherds Quay site. The striking feature art panels are mounted onto the buildings and reflect imagery associated with the historical past of the Fish Quay, in line with other sculptural elements that currently exist throughout the area, adding to the cultural landscape. The pedestrianisation of the area will enhance the experience for those walking to and from Shepherds Quay, which will also include public seating areas to allow passers-by to stop and enjoy the idyllic views. An art background to the seating areas will include shaped corten panels reminiscent of the former building profiles with stencilled writing connecting the piece to the history of its location.
For more information, please call Bradley Hall’s Gosforth office on 0191 284 2255 or email via gosforth@bradleyhall.co.uk
