New sports area for Whitley Bay

10-AUG-10

Issued by: Duncan Bennett

Young people can enjoy more fun and games in Whitley Bay following the completion of a new outdoor sports area.

The Multi Use Sports Area (MUSA) is located next to Whitley Park, which already boasts an award-winning playsite,

It provides a safe and enclosed area for a host of ball games.

Around 375 square metres in size, the MUSA includes football goal(s), basketball hoop(s) and cricket wicket(s) plus sports markings. A three-metre high sports mesh fence surrounds it.

The work to create the MUSA was carried out on behalf of North Tyneside Council by Kier North Tyneside.

North Tyneside elected mayor Linda Arkley said: "I want Whitley Bay to be a place for family-friendly fun.

"This new facility provides young people with a safe, fun environment to play sports and complements the popular playsite nearby.

"And, of course, it's a further element in the regeneration of Whitley Bay, which remains one of my priorities."

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 external structural repairs to the Spanish City Dome is underway and will include temporary improvements to the building frontage and windows to enhance the appearance of the building.

The council is in advanced discussions with short-listed developers concerning the future permanent use of the Spanish City island site, including reuse of the Dome.

Recent completed projects have included Waves, the £6m refurbishment of the Whitley Bay Leisure Pool, £750k invested in new play facilities including a new skatepark and £8.5million refurbishment of the Playhouse Theatre.

The Whitley Bay play site won the Children's Play category in the Local Government News Street Design 2008 competition in recognition of its children and family-friendly design.