South Shields

We’ve transformed part of South Shields town centre into a well-connected destination and new cultural quarter.

Delivered by
Muse
Location
South Shields
Use
Civic & Community / Infrastructure / Leisure / Mixed Use / Public Space
Website
theworduk.org

A new future

The Word is the centre piece of this transformation. The multi-award-winning ‘National Centre for the Written Word’ put the town back on the map. The iconic, modern architecture and its innovative uses challenge perceptions of the traditional seaside town, and of what the humble library can be.

The Word

We’ve put healthy connectivity at the forefront of the masterplan, with a brand new £21m state-of-the-art transport interchange, which has brought together the town’s Metro and bus station, with improved accessibility for the whole community.

In numbers

£million

Value

Library books

years

Duration

£million

Civic building

Awards

Year
Award

2017

The Word, South Shields - Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology

CIAT Architectural Technology Awards

2016

The Word, South Shields - Best Public Sector Interiors Project of the Year

Mixology North Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - Best Public Service Building

LABC Northern Building Excellence Awards

2016

The Word, South Shields - Best Regeneration or Restoration Award

Living North Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - Building of the Year

RIBA North East Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - Civic Building of the Year

SPACES Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - Community Award

SPACES Awards

2017

The Word, Community Benefit Award

RICS North East Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - Design Through Innovation Award

RICS North East Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - National Award

RIBA Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - North East Award

RTPI Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - Project of The Year

RICS North East Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields

RIBA North East Award

2017

The Word, South Shields - Social Value

Constructing Excellence Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - Tourism and Leisure Award

RICS North East Awards

2017

The Word, South Shields - Community Benefit Award

RICS National Awards

Our partners

Location

South Shields

Market Place,
South Shields
GOOGLE MAPS

Discover more

stories

Landmark Development Agreement signed for Bradford City Village

stories

Christmas spirit lighting up St Helens

stories

Illuminating lives through a lense

stories

How an effective place-based brand can cut through the noise

stories

Development Director appointed in growing North West team

stories

Earlestown’s market-led revival and Town Hall refurbishment receive planning consent

stories

Community conversation launched on new neighbourhood in Horsham

stories

Master Developer vs. Placemaker (and why language matters)

stories

We want 10% of UK buildings to be Passivhaus by 2030 – it’s a massive challenge

stories

Plans submitted for £250 million mixed residential neighbourhood in Stockport

View All Stories