Tynemouth Library Redevelopment Clears the Path to Demolition

The long-running plan to demolish and rebuild the former Tynemouth Library has taken a step forward, with North Tyneside Council confirming that several of the conditions needed before demolition can begin have now been completed. The building on Front Street has stood empty since it closed in February 2020.

What is planned

The old building is to be knocked down and replaced with a new structure combining a library and community space, a Newcastle Building Society community partnership branch, and six apartments over three floors. Plans also include five parking spaces, secure cycle storage and a bin store to the rear. The council says the new ground-floor facilities would be able to open during normal business hours rather than the two days a week the old library managed, which would more than double borrowing hours for the area.

What still needs to happen

Before the demolition and rebuild can start, a substation at the rear of the site needs to be moved and replaced with a modern version, and Northern Powergrid has been carrying out site investigations ahead of that work. Planning permission has been secured, and the council has approved carrying out an archaeological survey during demolition rather than beforehand, which removes one more hurdle.

Best for: The former library on Front Street has been closed since February 2020. The scheme will deliver a new library and community space, a community building society branch and six apartments.

A local developer won the tendering exercise back in early 2024, and the council says it is working to keep the project moving. Hannah Johnson, the cabinet member responsible, said the authority was "working hard with the developer to ensure momentum is maintained" now that planning permission is in place.

There is no confirmed start date for demolition yet, with the substation relocation the main outstanding step. This report draws on coverage by the Northumberland Gazette and North Tyneside Council.