Former Stanley social club to be transformed into tool shop

A North East building consultancy is overseeing the transformation of a former social club into a building supplies store. Silverstone Building Consultancy has been appointed to project manage the refurbishment of a former social club on Ritson Street in Stanley.

The former dancehall for the Stanley Central Club and Institute will be transformed into a new store for national retailer Toolstation, which has taken a 10-year lease on the 4,565 sq ft unit, supplying tools, accessories and building supplies.

Michael Coulthard, senior building surveyor at Silverstone Building Consultancy, said: “It’s great to see new life being brought back to this redundant building and the creation of new jobs. There is a growing trend in repurposing buildings within urban areas to reflect the changes in the way we shop, work and play in the current climate.

“Whilst many buildings can offer good potential for alternative uses, there are a wide range of issues that need to be carefully considered and that is where we are able to help clients with our specialist knowledge and advice.”