New reuse venue opens in North Shields giving unwanted items a second life

North Tyneside Council is teaming up with SUEZ recycling and recovery UK (SUEZ) and local charity North Tyneside Big Local to launch Renew North Tyneside.

The venue will specialise in repairing and restoring items and making them available at low prices for the community.

Renew North Tyneside will be supplied with donated items diverted from the nearby Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) which is operated by SUEZ on behalf of North Tyneside Council. SUEZ will also manage the day-to-day running of the venue under a separate contract.

Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, said: “Every day we see items thrown away that still have plenty of life left in them. Renew North Tyneside will provide a permanent space where items can be repaired if required and then sold at affordable prices. It will help our residents save money, cut waste, and give perfectly good items a second chance.”

Steve Atkinson, Regional Manager at SUEZ, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with North Tyneside Council and community partner North Tyneside Big Local to launch this exciting project. Renew North Tyneside will prevent perfectly good items from going to waste by diverting them directly from the HWRC, giving them a second life and offering residents affordable options to shop sustainably. Working with a community partner to deliver repair skills on top of this is brilliant and something we feel will bring real benefit locally.”

Renew North Tyneside will be located at Unit 30, Newcastle Quays (formerly Royal Quays), NE29 6DW and will serve as a central point for donating, repairing, and repurposing household items that might otherwise end up being incinerated to produce energy.

From furniture and homeware to small electricals, the aim is to give pre-loved items a second life while supporting families and individuals with cost-effective alternatives.

It will significantly reduce waste and the Borough’s carbon footprint by promoting reuse and repair. The community area will develop skills through volunteering and the provision of repair workshops - all whilst offering affordable items to local people.

North Tyneside Big Local will manage volunteers and develop the repair initiatives, helping to build community involvement and create opportunities for residents to gain experience and practical skills.

David Carnaffan, Chief Executive of North Tyneside Big Local said: “Renew North Tyneside will be more than just a shop – it’s a space for community connection, learning, and sustainability. We’re excited to see the development of engaging repair projects and workshops that play a part in waste reduction.”

Renew North Tyneside will officially open its doors on 6th March. Further information will be posted on the shop’s dedicated social media pages (@renewnorthtyneside on Facebook and Instagram).

Profits from the shop will be used to support local charities and initiatives that support the environment in North Tyneside.