Protecting Gateshead’s Industrial Scheduled Monument: Dunston Staiths

Dunston Staiths, Gateshead, was opened in 1893 to allow coal to be directly loaded onto ships. It was one of the last working staiths on the Tyne when it closed in the 1970s. At over 1,700 feet long, this enormous structure is designated as a Scheduled Monument and a Grade II listed building. The staiths stand as a landmark to the industrial heritage of the North East, as well as being used to host regular events including a food market.

Dunston Staiths suffered an arson attack in May 2020 during the first national lockdown. The COVID-19 Emergency Heritage at Risk Response Fund, part of the Culture Recovery Fund, was able to provide £19,280 to fund an emergency temporary scaffolding across the fire-damaged timbers, allowing for public access to the site and for further inspections of the structural damage.

The scaffolding enabled the staiths to re-open in 2021 for Heritage Open Days and a Summer Fun Run. Owners Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust are working in partnership with National Trust, Gateshead Council and Historic England to secure further funding to develop a strategy for Dunston Staiths and the surrounding Gateshead Riverside area.