16, Barrington Street

16 Barrington Street is a building constructed in 1882, designed by architect J H Morton, with an addition made in 1904 also by Morton. It was built for the South Shields Poor Law Union shortly after the opening of their new workhouse, which Morton also designed.

The building features red brick and a hipped slate roof, with a modillion eaves cornice. It stands two storeys tall with attics, displaying five bays on Barrington Street and three bays on Nelson Street. The design is in the revived English domestic style, with bays marked by brick pilasters and windows that include transoms and mullions. The entrance has a semi-circular hood, framed by an Ionic doorcase with a straight entablature. The spandrels above the entrance are decorated and bear the date 1882. An oriel window is situated above the entrance. The building has three large dormers, each with hipped slate roofs and four casements. There is a continuous cill band at the ground and first floor windows.

The extension on Nelson Street is three storeys high with five bays, reflecting the style of the original building. Its elevation features an overall stepped gable, with a cartouche inscribed "Union Office" and dated 1904 set in the apex.