Mill Dam, Customs House

This building was listed Grade II in 1978 with the following description:
'1863-64. T M Clemence architect and borough surveyor. 1878 addition at rear. J H Morton architect. White bricks and ashlar. Two storeys, 3 bays square. An imposing public building in the Renaissance style. Front elevation: ground floor entrance wall recessed behind an open rusticated arcade of 3 segmental arches on rectangular piers. There is a narrower arch on the sides. First floor has pairs of Corinthian columns framing the 3 ground semi-circular headed windows. Then an entablature with widely spaced heavy brackets and a crowing parapet. Over the centre bay a triangular pediment with sculptured coats of arms. The 3 windows to the side elevation at first floor have architraves and triangular pediments. The first floor is taller than the ground floor which is the "classical" basement for the order. The later addition to the south continues the same style and details. The coats of arms in the pediment are by Thos William Rowe, sculptor. This was originally the Customs House built just before South Shields was declared a separate customs port in 1865. The addition of 1878 was built to house the offices of the local Marine Board.' {1}.
The Customs House was of huge civic significance as it symbolised South Shields' independence from Newcastle as a customs port in 1848, following years of acrimony and its separation from North Shields Customs House in 1863. The Corporation bought land from the North Eastern Railway on which to build.
It stood empty for many years until it was sold in 1981 to the Arts & Live Music Association for restoration and conversion to an arts centre. In 1986 restoration commenced by Tyne and Wear County Council and the North East Civic Trust. In 1987 Tyne and Wear Development Corporation acquired the Customs House, repairing it, extending it to the rear, and reopening it in 1994. LISTED GRADE 2