Queens Arms, Gowan Court, Jarrow, South Tyneside

Outstanding Freehold Redevelopment Opportunity – Former Queen’s Arms Public House, 24 Clayton Street, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, NE32 3LR – For Sale by Unconditional Auction Contract
Palace Auctions London is delighted to present a rare and substantial freehold redevelopment opportunity in the heart of Jarrow, Tyne and Wear. The former Queen’s Arms public house occupies a prominent corner plot at the junction of Clayton Street and Bede Burn Road, offering approximately 3,500 square feet (325 square metres) of versatile accommodation arranged over two floors. With a guide price of just £65,000 and vacant possession, this property represents an exceptional value-add prospect for investors, developers, and owner-occupiers seeking to capitalise on the area’s ongoing regeneration and strong connectivity.
Property Overview
The Queen’s Arms is a detached, two-storey brick-built building with a pitched slate roof, constructed in the late 19th or early 20th century. The property retains significant period character, including large sash windows, decorative brickwork, and original pub signage, making it a striking local landmark. Internally, the ground floor comprises the former bar area, lounge, commercial kitchen, cellar, and customer WCs, while the first floor provides additional accommodation historically used as the publican’s living quarters, with several bedrooms, a bathroom, and a private lounge. The building is currently vacant and requires comprehensive refurbishment or redevelopment.
Externally, the property benefits from a small rear yard suitable for bin storage or limited off-street parking, and a forecourt area fronting Clayton Street. The total site area is approximately 0.08 acres (325 square metres). The property is classified as Sui Generis (former A4 drinking establishment) and does not currently benefit from any planning consents for change of use or redevelopment. However, its substantial floor area, prominent location, and period features offer significant potential for a range of alternative uses, including conversion to residential apartments, house in multiple occupation (HMO), supported living, or continued use as a licensed premises, restaurant, or community facility—all subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions from South Tyneside Council.
Location and Setting
Situated at 24 Clayton Street, the property enjoys a prime position within a well-established residential neighbourhood of Jarrow, South Tyneside. The location is within easy walking distance of Jarrow town centre, the Viking Centre retail complex, and a comprehensive range of local amenities. The area is characterised by a mix of residential and commercial uses, with excellent access to public transport and major road links, making it highly attractive for both occupiers and investors.
Jarrow is a vibrant urban centre with a rich industrial heritage and a strong sense of community. The town is currently benefitting from significant public and private investment, including major regeneration projects, infrastructure upgrades, and new employment opportunities. The property’s proximity to the town centre, local schools, healthcare facilities, and leisure amenities further enhances its appeal for a wide range of end uses.
Local Amenities
Jarrow NE32 offers an extensive array of amenities, making it a highly convenient and desirable location for residents and businesses alike. The town’s commercial heart is anchored by the Viking Centre, a 175,000 square foot retail and community hub that has recently undergone substantial investment and revitalisation. The Viking Centre is home to a 72,000 square foot Morrisons supermarket, providing comprehensive grocery and household shopping, alongside a diverse mix of national high street brands and independent retailers. Additional supermarkets and discount stores, such as Home Bargains, are located within easy reach, ensuring all daily essentials are close at hand.
The area boasts a vibrant social scene, with numerous pubs, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance of the property. Notable establishments include the Royal Oak, Ben Lomond, Jarrow Gin & Ale House, and The Red Hackle, all offering traditional fare, live sports, and community events. The local dining landscape is further enriched by a variety of restaurants and takeaways, with cuisines ranging from British classics to Turkish, Indian, and Italian. Cafes such as Rosie’s Cafe and the Morrisons Cafe provide additional options for casual dining and socialising.
Community facilities are a key strength of Jarrow, with centres such as Bilton Hall Community Trust and Perth Green Community Association offering spaces for group activities, events, and support services. The flagship Jarrow Focus leisure centre, opened in 2019, features a modern gym, sports hall, theatre, library, and a wide range of fitness classes and cultural programmes, reflecting the area’s commitment to health, wellbeing, and community engagement.
Transport and Connectivity
Jarrow enjoys outstanding transport links, underpinning its appeal for commuters, businesses, and investors. The town is served by Jarrow Metro station, part of the Tyne and Wear Metro network operated by Nexus. This centrally located station provides fast and frequent services to Newcastle city centre, Gateshead, South Shields, and Sunderland, with journey times to Newcastle Central Station typically around 20–25 minutes. The Metro station is just a five-minute walk from the property, ensuring easy access for residents and visitors.
The Jarrow Bus Station, situated within a four-minute walk of the town centre, offers regular services to South Shields, Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, and North Shields, with improved links and discounted return tickets available. The extended route 9 (Go North East) reinstates direct connections through the Tyne Tunnel to North Shields, running every 30 minutes, seven days a week.
Road connectivity is another major asset, with the property located close to the A19 and A194(M), providing rapid access to the Tyne Tunnel, Newcastle, Sunderland, and the wider North East region. The A185 offers direct routes into the town centre, while the proximity to the A1(M) ensures efficient links to national motorway networks. Newcastle International Airport is accessible via the Metro and road network, offering domestic and international flights, while the nearby Port of Tyne supports commercial shipping and ferry services.
Schools and Education
Jarrow NE32 is well-served by a range of primary and secondary schools, many of which are rated positively by Ofsted and offer specialist support for children with additional needs. Key institutions include:
Jarrow School: A secondary school for ages 11–16, featuring an Additional Resource Base for students with special educational needs and disabilities, particularly autism. The school is committed to inclusive education and specialist interventions.
St Bede’s RC VA Primary School and Nursery Unit: Located on Harold Street, this school offers primary education and a nursery unit, with a strong community ethos.
Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School: Situated on Borough Road, this Church of England primary school provides a nurturing environment and is supported by a dedicated leadership team.
Other Local Schools: The area is also served by Fellgate Primary, Dunn Street Primary, Simonside Primary, and several others, ensuring comprehensive coverage for families in NE32.
Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare provision in Jarrow is robust, with a mix of primary care, specialist services, and community support:
Palmers Community Hospital: Located on Wear Street, this facility offers children’s outpatient clinics, consultant-led paediatric services, and specialist clinics for respiratory, allergy, neurodisability, and epilepsy. It operates Monday to Friday and is a key healthcare asset for the area.
GP Surgeries and Pharmacies: Multiple GP practices and pharmacies serve the NE32 postcode, ensuring accessible primary care and prescription services.
Residential and Nursing Care: Several care homes provide residential, dementia, and nursing care, supporting the needs of older adults and those with complex health requirements.
Family Hubs: The Primrose Family Hub and Jarrow Family Hub offer a wide range of support services for parents, carers, and children, including early education, sensory sessions, health visitor clinics, and parenting programmes.
Regeneration and Investment Context
Jarrow is the focus of significant regeneration and investment, driven by both local and national initiatives aimed at revitalising the town centre, enhancing infrastructure, and supporting economic growth.
The Viking Centre has undergone a major transformation, positioning it as the commercial and social heart of Jarrow. The centre’s redevelopment has attracted new retailers and improved the public realm, supporting increased footfall and business activity. The introduction of the Viking Energy Network, which captures heat from the River Tyne to warm community buildings, exemplifies the area’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The opening of Jarrow Focus in 2019 marked a significant investment in leisure, culture, and community engagement. This multi-purpose facility includes a gym, theatre, library, and sports hall, providing a hub for health, fitness, and cultural activities.
Jarrow has secured £20 million in government funding through the Pride in Place programme and the Long Term Plan for Towns, to be invested over the next ten years. The Jarrow Forward Neighbourhood Board, comprising representatives from 25 key organisations, is tasked with engaging the community and developing a ten-year vision and three-year investment plan focused on Safety and Security, High Streets, Heritage and Regeneration, and Transport and Connectivity. This funding is expected to drive further improvements in the town centre, support new events and initiatives, and attract additional private sector investment.
The completion of a new Manufacturing Zone within Jarrow Business Centre, supported by nearly £500,000 from the Local Growth Fund, provides high-quality accommodation for SMEs in advanced manufacturing and offshore energy sectors. This facility is strategically positioned to benefit from supply chain opportunities linked to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm and the Port of Tyne, supporting job creation and economic diversification.
Strategic planning frameworks such as the South Tyneside Local Plan (2023–2040) and the Central Jarrow Area Action Plan set out a clear vision for sustainable growth, new housing, employment land, and infrastructure investment. The area is also included in the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) Area Action Plan, a major employment site supporting thousands of jobs in advanced manufacturing. Recent development activity includes new specialist accommodation for people with learning disabilities, council homes for social rent, and energy-efficient housing schemes. The Viking Energy Network and ongoing upgrades to highways, transport, and digital infrastructure further demonstrate the area’s commitment to modernisation and sustainability.
Local Property Market Context
The property market in Jarrow NE32 offers a compelling mix of affordability, investment potential, and regeneration-driven growth. Average house prices in NE32 range from £110,000 to £145,000, depending on property type and location. Flats typically sell for £75,000–£100,000, terraced houses average £120,000–£165,000, and semi-detached or detached homes can reach over £200,000 in premium locations. Recent sales data show that properties in Market Walk average £141,251, with flats at £100,633 and terraced houses at £150,610. In Ely Way, the average is £105,616, with terraced houses reaching £164,851. These figures underscore the area’s affordability relative to regional and national averages, making it attractive for first-time buyers, investors, and developers.
Commercial premises in Jarrow NE32 are competitively priced, reflecting both the area’s regeneration potential and current market dynamics. Leasehold retail units in the Viking Centre are available from £315–£350 per calendar month for units of 150–168 sq ft, while serviced office space at the Clervaux Exchange offers flexible terms and modern facilities. Recent listings include a commercial development for sale on Walter Street at £195,000 and a substantial freehold block on Grange Road West at £525,000. The area has higher commercial property vacancy rates and lower footfall than the national average, but ongoing regeneration efforts aim to address these challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Jarrow is experiencing a wave of development, driven by public and private investment. Key trends include new council homes, specialist accommodation, and energy-efficient housing, as well as the revitalisation of the Viking Centre, new manufacturing and business zones, and the repurposing of empty commercial properties. The South Tyneside Local Plan and Central Jarrow Area Action Plan provide a supportive framework for new development, with a focus on sustainability, economic growth, and community benefit.
Auction Information and Terms
Auctioneer: Palace Auctions London
Lot Number: 12
Auction Date: Available for sale by Auction contract (live and online bidding available)
Guide Price: £65000
Tenure: Freehold, with vacant possession upon completion
Planning Status: Sui Generis (former A4 drinking establishment); no current planning consents; significant redevelopment potential for residential, HMO, supported living, or commercial/community use (all subject to planning)
Size: Approx. 3,500 sq ft (325 sq m) GIA over two floors; site area approx. 0.08 acres
Legal Pack: Available for download to registered bidders; includes title deeds, local authority searches, special conditions, and property certificates. Buyers are strongly advised to review the legal pack in full and seek independent legal advice prior to bidding.
Auction Terms:
Sale Method: Unconditional auction contract (contracts exchanged immediately on fall of hammer)
Deposit: 10% of the purchase price, payable immediately upon the fall of the hammer
Buyer’s Premium: 2% of the final sale price plus VAT (minimum £1,500 incl. VAT), payable by the successful purchaser
Administration Fee: £1,000 plus VAT, payable upon exchange of contracts
Completion Period: 28 days from exchange of contracts (unless otherwise stated in the special conditions)
VAT: May be chargeable on the sale price; see special conditions
Additional Charges: Possible seller/third-party fees; see special conditions
Special Conditions: The sale is subject to the standard terms and conditions of Palace Auctions London, as set out in the auction catalogue and legal pack. Any additional special conditions or variations will be detailed in the legal pack and must be reviewed by all prospective purchasers.
Legal Disclaimer:
The property is sold as seen, with no warranties as to condition or suitability for any particular use. All measurements, boundaries, and site plans are for identification purposes only and do not form part of any contract. Buyers must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of all information and conduct their own due diligence, particularly regarding planning status, tenure, and legal documentation. All prospective buyers are advised to review the legal pack and auction terms and conditions prior to bidding. The successful bidder will be legally bound to complete the purchase upon the fall of the hammer.
Registration: All bidders must pre-register and complete anti-money laundering checks prior to bidding.
Viewing Arrangements: Site viewings are available strictly by appointment with Palace Auctions London. Interested parties should contact the Palace Auctions team to arrange access and discuss the property in further detail.
Contact Information:
For further information, to download the legal pack, or to register for the auction, please contact Palace Auctions London:
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This is a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold former public house in a well-connected and regenerating North East location. With significant redevelopment potential, strong local amenities, excellent transport links, and a supportive planning and investment context, the former Queen’s Arms offers outstanding value and flexibility for a wide range of future uses. Register now to secure your place in the auction and explore the possibilities that this unique site has to offer.