Our new learning hub at Jarrow Hall was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor this afternoon. Affectionately termed ‘Hobbit Houses’, the artic cabin structures will provide a natural learning environment for young people and adults alike.
This project has received £130,075 from the UK government through South Tyneside Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme.
The learning hub and relaxing garden space were created to provide a less traditional learning environment, offering vocational training for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, alternative curriculum choices for students struggling with mainstream school as well as a host of community events for visitors to the museum.
Works developed an underused area of the museum, improving 550 metres squared in total. The hub and garden has new fencing, seating and raised beds for planting and a freshly turfed grassland for relaxing or taking learning outdoors.
The garden was built by Groundwork South and North Tyneside with support from Jarrow Hall volunteers and young people on work experience placements from Route2Work College, Groundwork’s post-16 specialist college, supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. The build helped people to gain valuable new skills whilst working as a team, boosting confidence and mental wellbeing.
Chief Executive for Groundwork Andrew Watts stated:
“We are delighted with the new Hobbit Houses, which create a valuable learning and community hub for people visiting our museum. It is also hoped that the newly re-vamped space will improve perceptions of the museum, as the area is one of the first things visitors see when they arrive. In total 96 people have volunteered their time and efforts with the garden construction and other tasks around the farm and museum over the last 12 months, boosting skills for future employment and helping to improve the wonderful cultural asset that is Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm Village and Bede Museum. When Groundwork took on Jarrow Hall in 2016, we had a vision to create a museum that both welcomed visitors and supported our local community. This project has helped us deliver on that vision.”
The Deputy Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Shane Smith, who was joined by his Consort Stephen Pearson, said:
“It was a real honour to open the new learning hub at Jarrow Hall.
“These ‘Hobbit Houses’ are more than just charming structures – they are safe, inclusive, inspiring spaces where young people of all abilities can grow, learn, and thrive together and are a shining example of how education and community environments can be reimagined.
“This project is a testament to what can be achieved when creativity, community, and care come together.”