North Shields, Northumberland Square, Central Library

HER Number:
16010

District:
N Tyneside

Site Name:
North Shields, Northumberland Square, Central Library

Place:
North Shields

Map Sheet:
NZ36NE

Class:
Education

Site Type: Broad:
Library

Site Type: Specific:
Public Library

General Period:
Modern

Specific Period:
C20

Form of Evidence:
Extant Building

Description:
The North Eastern Railway Tynemouth Branch was built in the 1840s. It ran through an east-west tunnel under the south edge of Northumberland Square and Suex Street. As the tunnel is relatively shallow, created by cut-and-cover of the road and the empty sites lining it, it stifled developments along its line. The railway left a gap in the south-west corner of Northumberland Square. This was set out as gardens until engineers were able to build over the railway. The 1960s Central Library straddles the tunnel on a series of columns and spreads over the line of both roads in the south-west corner of the Square and truncates Camden Street. Square flat-topped flue on roof. The library breaks the square's intended symmetry. However it is neutral to the adjacent Conservation Area.

Easting:
3554

Northing:
6850

Grid Reference:
NZ35546850

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
North Tyneside Council and Capita, November 2013, Draft Northumberland Square Conservation Area, Character Appraisal, p 22