History of the Customs House

The Venue

The Customs House was built in the 1860's as a customs post, just before South Shields was declared an independent port, and at a time when the River Tyne was a thriving centre of trade and activity. After the decline of the shipping industry, the building fell into disrepair in the 1960's.

In the 1990's, Tyne and Wear Development Corporation funded the capital development of The Customs House, turning it into an Arts and Entertainment Centre for the people of South Tyneside and beyond. This was done by refurbishing the original building and adding a new extension on the back. The Grade II listed building opened its doors in November 1994, providing South Shields with its first Theatre or Cinema in twelve years.

The building comprises two auditoria - a theatre of 401 seats and a 145 seat studio theatre; a gallery; a restaurant; a bar and box-office. The offices, rehearsal room and Community Room are located in refurbished warehouses running alongside the main building (Daltons Lane). Car parking is situated adjacent to the buildings.

When the Daltons Lane warehouses were refurbished just a few years ago our builder found old mortuary slabs in Daltons 5 (now a rehearsal studio). With further research we discovered that the building used to be a morgue. The flats in front of this building were once a police station and it was concluded that any bodies found in the river in Mill Dam during that time were then transported into the morgue directly behind the station.

The Community Room was formerly a banana ripening warehouse and some people say they can still smell bananas when they walk in!

The Immediate Location

The Customs House is located within the conservation area of Mill Dam in the town of South Shields. Situated on the south bank of the River Tyne adjacent to the ferry landing, it has impressive views, both across and up and down the river. Within walking distance of the town centre, it has access to good public transport facilities including buses, ferries and the metro underground train service.

The area immediately surrounding The Customs House comprises a number of public houses along the approach to Mill Dam and several blocks of low-rise flats behind. On the up-river side is a working ship repair and fit-out yard owned by Tyne Dock Engineering.

The Wider Area

The area is currently undergoing extensive regeneration. Adjacent to Mill Dam is Harton Staithes, a former coal depot that is currently being reclaimed for business development, retail, leisure and a small amount of housing. The most significant feature of the development is that it will become an extension of the town centre, incorporating a major public open space next to the river. Further along is Market Dock, a mixed-use development of 140 houses, business space and offices. The first houses have recently been occupied.

A public walkway along the edge of the river will provide continuous access through all phases of the overall development, thus integrating them and encouraging people back to the riverside. This stretch of riverside totals 1km and, when completed, will mean that The Customs House is part of a greatly improved physical, economic and social environment. The whole area was within the urban development area of the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation and has now been passed across to English Partnerships and South Tyneside MBC for completion.

Ownership and Management

The Customs House was acquired by the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation as part of the redevelopment plans, along with the Daltons Lane warehouses. Both are leased to The Customs House Trust on a 99 year lease with a peppercorn rent. With the demise of the Development Corporation, the freehold of both buildings transferred to South Tyneside MBC, along with the car park.

The Customs House is managed by The Customs House Trust, a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. The founding members of the Trust were South Tyneside MBC, Tyne and Wear Development Corporation and Northern Arts and each had the right to nominate two members to the Board. Other Board members represent a wide variety of experience and expertise, including a solicitor, accountant, teacher and a retired quantity surveyor.

Funding and Local Plans

Since it opened, The Customs House has been revenue-funded by South Tyneside MBC, Northern Arts and the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation. With the demise of the Development Corporation, the local authority increased its revenue contribution and, more recently, both funding partners have increased their funding to secure the long term future of the venue.

The Customs House is the only non-amateur theatre in the borough, the local arts development agency, the largest Gallery and, until recently, the only cinema. In summary The Customs House is the focus for artistic and cultural activities in South Tyneside.