A new refreshment kiosk linked with iconic South Shields ice cream brand Toney Minchella is set to open in South Marine Park after plans were given the green light.
The development will provide refreshments for visitors to the historic seafront park, which is recognised for its special historic interest and home to a boating lake, café, play areas, event spaces and the miniature steam railway.
The plans attracted two objections from members of the public, who raised concerns about the scale and location of the development and its potential impact on the “continued safe operation of the miniature railway”.
However, council planners approved the application on October 16, 2026.
The new kiosk will be built on the site of a former park tender pitch, which applicants said had been “selected to minimise disruption to park users and reduce operational impacts”.
CGI image showing what new 'refreshment kiosk' in South Marine Park could look like Credit TM Designs Studio Ltd
It is understood the development will be in addition to Toney Minchella’s existing café in the park, with materials used for the kiosk matching those of the current building.
A design and access statement said deliveries would be restricted to early morning hours to minimise disruption, while roller shutters would provide “robust protection” against vandalism.
A council report said the development would create one full-time job and a number of part-time positions.
It added that the kiosk would not affect the “vitality or viability of nearby designated centres” or “established shopping patterns”.
CGI image showing what new 'refreshment kiosk' in South Marine Park could look like Credit TM Designs Studio Ltd
Council planners said the development would “enhance the tourism offer” in the area and, when viewed alongside existing park facilities, would not appear as “a prominent or incongruous feature within the site”.
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The kiosk will also be positioned to maintain a clear separation from the railway infrastructure and operational area.
Officers concluded that, given its location, scale and relationship to the existing fence boundary, the proposal “would not intrude upon, obstruct or otherwise interfere with the operation, maintenance or enjoyment of the miniature railway”.
For more information, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal and search for reference 260261.