Mural draws on seaside for inspiration

Mural draws on seaside for inspiration

07-OCT-09

Issued by: Duncan Bennett

A stunning mural is set to bring a splash of colour to Whitley Bay town centre as part of work to help local businesses.

The 36 hoardings that cover the boarded up windows of the old Co-op building, at the junction of Whitley Road and Marden Road, will be painted with a special design that reflects the seaside traditions of Whitley Bay.

A team of artists from Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and Cullercoats will start work on the project this Saturday, 10 October.

The scheme has been funded by North Tyneside Council and the Department for Communities and Local Government's empty shop revival fund. Whitley Bay business Finlay's Decor has also supported the scheme by providing materials at cost.

Cllr Jon Jo MacNamara, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "It's vital we do all we can to ensure our town centres remain vibrant.

"We've already launched a £400,000 business grant scheme, have proposed two hours free town centre parking and will be launching a town centres marketing campaign next month.

"This mural in Whitley Bay is set to be a fantastic sight and will really enhance the town centre for visitors and residents."

Bill Midgley, chairman of Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, said: "Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade is highly supportive of this initiative.

"It will make the area more attractive, confirming the upward trend in retail shopping in the town centre.

"We understand the importance of the town centre being a pleasant place to visit. An initiative like this can only help attract more visitors and increase trade for businesses in the town."

The mural is a project of the Whitley Bay regeneration arts programme, led by artistic director Keith Barrett, and supports the aims of the Retail Centres Task Group, which is introducing a range of initiatives to help town centres and businesses.

The Retail Centres Task Group - a partnership established by North Tyneside Council - brings together representatives from Chambers of Trade in North Shields, Wallsend and Whitley Bay, USDAW the shop workers union, the Homes and Communities Agency, Job Centre Plus and council officers.

Mr Barrett said: "This is an important project which will use quality artwork to make Whitley Bay a more attractive place to visit, and so contribute to the sustainability of the High Street economy."

ENDS

Note to editors:

The Retail and Town Centre Business Grant Scheme, developed by the council's Retail Centres Task Group, is aimed at helping businesses meet current challenges.

Its criteria are designed to assist town centre businesses cut their energy bill, improve their shops or office frontages and enhance accessibility with grants of up to 70 per cent available. A total fund of £400,000 has been set aside for the scheme by the authority.