Herd Groyne Lighthouse Restoration Concludes After £250,000 Investment

The historic Herd Groyne lighthouse in South Shields has been fully restored following a £250,000 renovation project. The restoration, which spanned six months, involved addressing structural defects, a thorough cleaning, and applying multiple fresh coats of its characteristic red paint. Funding for the restoration was significantly aided by a £100,000 contribution from The Barbour Foundation, the philanthropic division of the premium clothing company, known for depicting the lighthouse on some of its outerwear. Port of Tyne, the entity responsible for the lighthouse’s operation, stated that this donation had “ensured” its preservation as a “key piece of regional heritage” for upcoming generations. Constructed in 1882, Herd Groyne continues to function at the entrance of the River Tyne. Barbour clothing has showcased the lighthouse since the local firm, which maintains its headquarters in South Shields, released its initial clothing catalogue in 1908. Initially projected to conclude in 12 weeks when it commenced in June, the repair efforts extended to nearly six months. A spokeswoman attributed this extended timeline to “some delays due to bad weather, as well as a spate of vandalism and unauthorised access.” Both the Herd Groyne lighthouse and its adjacent infrastructure sustained considerable damage during Storm Babet in October of the previous year. In May, temporary handrails were erected at the lighthouse location, coinciding with pavement repairs, prior to the restoration’s start in June. Dame Margaret Barbour, the Chairwoman, expressed her “delighted” sentiment that the company could contribute to the restoration “of this historic lighthouse.” She added, “The Herd Groyne is one of the North East’s most recognised and unique landmarks; it means so much to all of us at Barbour.” She further stated, “This remarkable lighthouse has been part of our history and heritage since the company was founded in South Shields in 1894.” Matt Beeton, chief executive of Port of Tyne, extended gratitude to Barbour for their assistance, remarking: “These important works will ensure the lighthouse continues to serve both the community and maritime industry for generations to come.” With its restoration now complete, Herd Groyne can resume its function as a navigational aid, facilitating safe passage for vessels on the River Tyne. Concurrently, restoration efforts are underway for the South Pier and Lighthouse, with these projects anticipated to extend into next year, following the complete loss of the lighthouse’s roof during the same storm last year. For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.