Disused former TFM building could be turned into student accommodation

TFM Radio's former base on Teesside could be converted into student flats.

Radio House in Thornaby has remained out of use since the radio station controversially merged with Newcastle-based Metro Radio in 2013.

Now, student accommodation company Kexgill have submitted a proposal to Stockton Council to convert the three-storey office and studio building in Yale Crescent into 30-bed student accommodation.

The building was originally built in 1994 for what was then known as Radio Tees.

But it was closed and the studio’s remaining staff moved to Newcastle following the merger with Metro Radio.

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Protest at TFM Newcastle move

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If the proposals go through, the accommodation will offer another choice to the 2,000 full-time students who attend Durham University’s Queen’s Campus.

Catering for over 2,700 students, Kexgill is one of the largest privately-owned student accommodation companies in the UK.

Over the past 30 years, has expanded into eight other university cities and towns across Britain.

A statement submitted by Kexgill lists the planned changes to the building.

Changes include the construction of a single storey lobby and disabled facilities as well as the addition of a second student entrance on the south east of the existing building.

It adds: “The existing building is extremely distinctive in its use of decorative brickwork comprising alternating string and soldier courses.

“The proposed extensions and alteration will be constructed to match the existing brickwork.”

The proposals are currently with Stockton Council and are pending consideration.

The decision to close the Teesside base of TFM provoked a storm of protest last April.

A campaign was launched urging station owner Bauer Media to reconsider its decision to broadcast from Newcastle.

TFM evolved from the old Radio Tees - which began broadcasting from Dovecot Street, Stockton, in 1975.

A total of 22 members of TFM staff moved to Metro Radio in Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, under the switch.

Despite complaints, media watchdog Ofcom said the move did not breach broadcasting regulations.