Work Begins on Colmans' Seafront 'Coastal Village'

One of South Shields' best-loved family names is putting down fresh roots on the seafront. Work has begun on a new "coastal village" on South Promenade, next to Colmans Seafood Temple, on a stretch of land that has sat dormant for years.

What is being built

The scheme, operated by the Colmans, was granted planning permission earlier this year. Plans provide for 20 beach huts alongside retail pods, offices and event space — a multi-use leisure and retail destination rather than a single building. It is being delivered with Sunderland-based architecture and engineering firm BDN, the practice behind the transformation of Sheepfolds Stables in Sunderland and the earlier conversion of the former Gandhi's Temple into the Seafood Temple restaurant.

Best for: A new seafront "coastal village" on South Promenade: 20 beach huts, retail pods, offices and event space, with a hoped-for spring 2027 opening.

Why it matters locally

For South Shields, this is another vote of confidence in the seafront as a year-round destination rather than a summer-only draw. Bringing long-empty coastal land back into use, and doing it with independent traders rather than chains, keeps the character that makes the foreshore worth the trip. A number of local independents have already agreed deals to take space, which should mean a mix of food, drink and retail with a genuinely local flavour.

Richard Colman Ord, director of Colmans Hospitality Group, said there was "a real buzz around the development", adding that the family had been struck by the interest from independent traders keen to breathe new life into the site.

The destination is hoped to open by spring 2027. Full details were reported by the Shields Gazette.

---

Got South Shields news? Get in touch.