New “Treasure trove” reuse shop in North Shields proves hit with community

Renew North Tyneside, based at Newcastle Quays (formerly Royal Quays), sold hundreds of items within hours of opening, with residents keen to snap up affordable furniture, homeware, bikes, TVs and toys that might otherwise have gone to waste.

Local resident Janine Arndt said the shop was a “treasure trove”.

“I love it – it’s such a treasure trove. I’m really passionate about sustainability and when you see so many things in fantastic condition that might have been thrown away, it’s brilliant to give them another chance and a new home. “I have two young children, aged four and seven, and they sometimes just need something for a short time. We often buy second-hand things, but it’s even better if I can find something they can use and pass on again later. I think it’s fantastic – I’ll definitely be a regular.”

Another visitor, Vikki Pearson said she rushed down as soon as she heard the shop had opened.

“I love shops like this – I’ll be here all the time! I heard it was open and ran down straight away. I buy a lot of second-hand and do a bit of upcycling. I’m always looking for something interesting for the house or a little project. You can find really good quality stuff here and I love a bargain so I’ll definitely be coming back.”

Renew North Tyneside offers a wide range of preloved items including furniture, homeware and small electrical items. Suitable items are diverted from the nearby Household Waste Recycling Centre, checked and prepared for resale before being made available in the shop.

The initiative is delivered through a partnership between North Tyneside Council, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, and North Tyneside Big Local, with the aim of keeping usable items in circulation while supporting local residents with affordable goods.

For many customers, the appeal is not just finding affordable items, but also preventing good-quality goods from going to waste.

Chris Mordue, said: “It’s unbelievable what gets thrown away – it’s such a waste. This is recycling at its best. It’s really important that local communities can get hold of affordable items like this especially with rising living costs.”

And Amie Madden, who regularly donates preloved items, said reuse projects like this play an important role locally. “I love going to charity shops and donate a lot of things because I hate seeing good items go to waste. I’m always on the lookout for a bargain or something a bit different.

“The fact that things are being reused instead of going to waste is a really positive thing.”

Renew North Tyneside is located at Unit 30, Newcastle Quays (formerly Royal Quays), North Shields and is now open to the public.