Whitley Bay bids to bring back good times

Mar 3 2010 by Chris Knox, The Journal

Once the holiday destination of choice for thousands of people in the North East, Whitley Bay has slid into a state of dilapidation over the past 10 years. Chris Knox looks at how businesses are backing the bid to restore the area to its former glory.

FOR those in the region old enough to remember its hey day, the mention of Whitley Bay often conjures up images of candy floss, shuggy boats and a packed seaside, with a soundtrack provided by the fairground attractions of nearby Spanish City.

The area was a long-time favourite among holidaymakers in the North and the town’s economy thrived.

However, changes such as the advent of cheap flights abroad, out-of-town shopping centres and the growing popularity of video games saw families and children seek their thrills elsewhere during the late 80s and 90s.

Whitley Bay fell into ruin and many of its attractions closed.

The situation has not been helped by the current economic downturn. Around 25% of the shops in the town centre are unoccupied and high levels of unemployment are exacerbating the gloom on the high street.

However, plans are afoot to revitalise the area and build on the success of the new Waves leisure pool and gym and the re-opening of the Playhouse theatre.

Council leaders, business figures and developers have all agreed that there is huge potential in the town and are working on a £64m regeneration plan, which promises to turn the area into a hub for culture and arts over the coming years.

The plans target shopping areas, streets, paths, parks, public transport, parking and leisure services.

However, the pace of these changes has been restricted as a result of a dwindling pot of council funding, with a reported £600,000 left following the construction of the Playhouse, leisure pool, skate park and the completion of phase one refurbishment work on the outer shell of the Spanish City Dome.

The council has responded to criticisms surrounding delays to the Spanish City project and is now considering a compulsory purchase order, which will allow it to acquire much of the surrounding land in order to support the “timely delivery” of its proposals.

Developers for the site are currently being shortlisted with a preferred scheme selected later this year, subject to planning permission and completion of contracts.

North Tyneside’s elected mayor Linda Arkley said: “As a council we are committed to taking forward the regeneration of Whitley Bay seafront because we know it is so important to our residents, our businesses and visitors.

“The compulsory purchase order is put forward as a last resort.”