Plans for the first phase of a £100m regeneration project in South Shields have been approved by South Tyneside Council's planning committee.

The 365 Master Plan project, drawn up between Muse Developments and South Tyneside Council, will see the transformation of South Shields town centre over a series of phases.

Construction work can now begin on the first phase, which features the construction of a new FaulknerBrowns-designed Central Library and Digital Media Centre near Ferry Street on the Riverside, while improvements are also being made to the area’s adjoining Market Place.

After consultations with the public, businesses and interested parties, a planning application was submitted back in June and has now been given the green light.

Future phases of the master plan anticipate increased shopping and leisure provisions, plus the development of a new travel interchange to help improve community life in the area.

"This is about creating an outstanding offer for South Shields,” said Martin Swales, chief executive of South Tyneside Council.

"Our ambitious plans will position the town as a vibrant year-round retail and leisure destination. The new Central Library and Digital Media Centre will drive footfall into the town centre and act as a catalyst for further private sector investment and growth."

It is hoped that the building process will begin early next year, with a tender process to appoint a building contractor due to begin shortly.