Extended seafront promenade for Whitley Bay

11-AUG-10

Issued by: Duncan Bennett

The regeneration of Spanish City in Whitley Bay took a further step forward after plans for a new road scheme, creating a piazza area, were given the green light.

At a meeting yesterday, members of North Tyneside Council's planning committee were minded to grant approval for a new link road to the rear of the Dome, subject to conditions.

This will replace the existing road, which skirts around the seaward side of Spanish City, enabling it to be pedestrianised and extending the seafront promenade area.

The extended promenade will provide a safe and attractive piazza that would be able to host events, further enhancing the coastal cultural offer.

North Tyneside elected mayor Linda Arkley said: "The regeneration of Whitley Bay seafront and town centre is one of my top priorities.

"This new road scheme is a crucial element in re-developing the Spanish City Island.

"It creates the space for a fantastic new piazza that the public can enjoy and means the Dome building is no longer isolated from the seafront.

"And this can only enhance the potential uses of the Spanish City Island that we're currently in discussion with short-listed developers about."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The council is committed to delivering the regeneration of the seaside resort of Whitley Bay and Spanish City, as part of a wider strategy to regenerate the whole of North Tyneside's coast by building upon the many natural assets and existing attractions, including blue flag beaches, historic buildings and leisure facilities, that the coastal area offers.

The final phase of structural repairs to the Spanish City Dome is underway and will include temporary improvements to the shop fronts and windows to enhance the appearance of the building.