Historic buildings
Historic Buildings are a significant part of the Historic Environment. They are a precious and finite asset, and powerful reminders to us of the work and way of life of earlier generations. The richness of this country's architectural heritage plays a powerful part in our sense of place and national identity and our enjoyment of our surroundings.
There is a vast heritage resource of buildings of architectural or historic interest within South Tyneside ranging from buildings of outstanding national significance such as South Shields Old Town Hall, to structures of regional importance such as the Bowes Railway, to buildings of local interest, such as the Volunteer Life Brigade House in South Shields.
The ‘national’ statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest (i.e. ‘listed buildings’) is compiled by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of English Heritage. Inclusion on this list and status as a ‘listed building’ provides protection from inappropriate alteration or development.
