'˜Adult size soft play with death slides' - Readers suggest new ideas for South Shields office block

South Tyneside House, next to South Shields Town Hall, in Westoe Road, has gone on the market with a guide price of £595,000,

Commercial property consultants, Naylors, have been appointed to sell the four-storey building - which offers over 18,000sqft of open plan office accommodation - on behalf of the current owners, Seapoint Capital, a London-based investment company.

Experts believe the building will stir a lot of interest from prospective buyers.

Already scores of Gazette readers have voiced their views on our website and Facebook page to say what they’d like to see the building used for in the future.

However, many feared the lack of parking facilities could hamper some developments.

Derek Wilson said: “Can’t be much due to the location, indoor market, a textiles factory maybe? Student accommodation (council run for revenue boost) flats, I would say department store but wouldn’t hold the footfall due to parking.”

John Nilsson suggested: “An art crafts centre with a cafe for people to get involved in activities with their children and the adults just like the kids can mingle and make new friends have events and make that ugly building into something bright and exciting.”

The clothes store Primark was a popular suggestion with many readers.

Joanne Mclaughlin said: “Primark would be lovely.”

Caroline Wood added: “We need a good range of shops, not Greggs, McDonalds, charity shops and pound shops as there is enough of them in Shields. Primark or a Shoe Warehouse of some kind, few clothes shops or even something for the kids to do. Internet café also or discount catalogue shop etc - loads of possibilities.”

Valerie Nichol wrote: “Parking is a massive problem. If it hadn’t been it would be perfect for a new post office and various community/children’s facilities.”

John R Marnie might have had the wackiest idea though.

He suggested: “Adult size soft play with death slides.”