The Word car park on River Drive closes from 16 November

Sat 7 Nov 2026 · Written for Visit South Shields from the sources below.

Checked 7 Nov 2026.

If you usually park by The Word when you visit the Market Place, there is a change coming. South Tyneside Council says The Word car park on River Drive will be closed to motorists from Monday 16 November 2026 until Saturday 27 February 2027. (Shields Gazette, 6 Nov 2026: The Word car park three-month closure; checked 7 Nov 2026)

The council says the closure is needed so contractors have a safe working area while they renovate the former BT building next to the car park. That building is being turned into student accommodation as part of moving South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School into the town centre. (Shields Gazette, 6 Nov 2026: The Word car park three-month closure; checked 7 Nov 2026)

Other town-centre car parks stay open. The council's full list is the place to check alternatives. Seafront parking is unchanged. (South Tyneside Council: South Shields town centre car parks; checked 7 Nov 2026)

More: Parking guide.