‘The Word’ is a new central library and digital hub in the heart of South Shields. The new community hub is the first phase of the wider redevelopment of South Shields town centre and part of the 365 Master Plan.

This new four-storey building also incorporates a partial basement area. The structural design incorporates an RC flat slab solution with exposed soffits around a central atrium area. The external façade incorporates significant areas of glazing and high quality cladding.

Exposed concrete soffits absorb heat during the day and use the central atrium to help cool the building using night time purging. The exposed slab soffits also include integrated acoustic baffles, which also house feature lighting and service distribution.

Besides the main building there is a hardstanding 40 space car park overlooking the Quay, and the development of the market place, consists of new paving, new highways works and a steel frame canopy.