Designs for the striking four-storey Glassworks building on Harton Quays Park, in the Mill Dam area of the town are being drawn-up.

The block would provide 50,000 sq ft of flexible office space, with basement parking and an attractive roof terrace showcasing 360-degree panoramic views.

Newcastle-based firm Ryder Architecture has been appointed by South Tyneside Council and its partner Muse Developments and will now work on detailed designs ahead of public consultation and a planning application being submitted early next year.

The building is part of the £200m Holborn regeneration masterplan, which will transform the brownfield land on disused docks into a vibrant living, working and cultural quarter.

Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “This is an exciting development in the regeneration of South Shields and our ambitions for Holborn.

“This stunning building would start the transformation of a vacant site into a bustling quarter, complementing the considerable investment that has already gone into this area, and strengthening the links between the riverside and the town centre.

“Holborn will be a sought-after location for living, working and entertainment, for both residents and visitors.

“This office development is just the start of that, attracting new businesses to the town and helping to generate jobs for local people.”

The Glassworks would pave the way for further office space on the Holborn site, part of which was awarded Enterprise Zone status after a successful bid supported by the Local Enterprise Partnership.

David Wells, Regional Director at Muse Developments, said: “We’re proud to welcome Ryder to the team and be moving forward with The Glassworks – a stunning building that blends the town’s heritage with the its aspirations for the future.

“This new building will repuropose a key area in South Tyneside and create a vibrant waterside office community in the heart of the town.”

The Holborn scheme secured £9.4m from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the delivery of a future phase of office accommodation.

Earlier this year, Keepmoat, working in partnership with Cussins, were appointed as the preferred development partner to deliver the residential element of the scheme.