A multi-million-pound riverside regeneration project in South Tyneside is entering its final phase.

The scheme at Holborn, South Shields, has transformed disused docks and derelict land into a vibrant residential quarter.

The site has undergone extensive remediation works including decontamination of the ground, raising of the former dry docks to overcome serious flooding issues, and construction of a new quay edge wall.

The civil engineering is now complete and has been handed over to developers for the final phase of house building.

Phases one and two have already delivered 135 new houses and apartments, all of which are now sold and occupied.

For the final phase, Keepmoat are constructing 47 new dwellings whilst Cussins are delivering 109. In this phase, 24 homes will be affordable, both for discounted market sale and affordable rent, delivered through Benicia.

The works have also created a new play area, and once completed, the development will also include a public riverside promenade leading to the restored dry docks.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport at South Tyneside Council, said: “This really has been a massive transformation. It’s incredible to think that this evolving riverside community was disused, inaccessible land just a few years ago.

“We’re not just creating places for people to live — we’re supporting local businesses, increasing footfall and helping to strengthen the local economy for years to come.

“Holborn is a fantastic example of regeneration on a significant scale, and we’re proud to see the final phase now taking shape.”

Allex Davison and her partner bought their first home in the development in January 2025. The couple and their young baby live in a three-storey townhouse overlooking the Tyne.

The 29-year-old said: “We have a living room with a balcony with a gorgeous view of the river and the ferry – once we had seen that view we were totally sold!

“We love going for walks along the coast and I think once the public walkway opens up it will get better and better.

“There aren’t many developments like this in South Tyneside, so it’s quite sought after.”

Civil engineering works have included the infilling on the largest of the four former dry docks.

The remaining three docks have been restored to preserve the area’s industrial heritage. The scheme secured £1.85m from the government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.

Ian Worgan, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, North East said: “We’re delighted to continue our work at the third and final phase of this fantastic transformation scheme in Holborn.

“Over the last few years, Keepmoat has invested £20 million into riverside regeneration in South Shields, transforming disused shipyards into our River’s Edge scheme to breathe new life into the area and create high-quality new homes and apartments.

“At Keepmoat, we have a robust partnership model and we are proud of our continued collaboration with South Tyneside Council and Cussins to progress homes for local people.”

The final phase of development will offer a mix of energy-efficient housing types, from two-bedroomed apartments to five bedroomed family homes.

Jabin Cussins, CEO of Cussins, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside South Tyneside Council and Keepmoat Homes as this site has transformed from a derelict dockland into one of the most significant regeneration projects in the North East. Bringing a scheme of this scale and complexity to fruition demands extraordinary foresight and commitment.

“We are hugely excited to see works commence on our 109-home final phase which comprise a mix of energy-efficient housing types, from two-bedroomed apartments to five bedroomed family homes. Our proposed scheme harmonises contemporary architecture with South Shields’ rich maritime heritage, with 15 distinct house types in addition to 8 apartment types — all designed specifically for this landmark scheme by award-winning, locally based architects ID Partnership Northern.

“Today marks not just the start of construction but the culmination of years of tireless effort by everyone involved in bringing Holborn Riverside to this point. What is being built here is more than new homes — it is a lasting piece of the town’s future. We look forward to seeing it take shape and extend our sincere thanks to all those whose dedication has made this final chapter possible.”