Council say Spanish City Dome restoration has received overwhelming support

North Tyneside Council says it has received overwhelming public support for plans to restore Whitley Bay’s iconic Spanish City Dome.

Following a series of open-door public viewings visitors gave their views on how the Dome should be restored, including those from Manchester, Glasgow, London and even as far afield as Sweden and Canada have shown their support.

The council’s regeneration team have collated suggestions turning it into a community facility, a conference or wedding venue, a music arena or a leisure centre.

Ideas will be delivered to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is currently considering the first stage of a new grant application. If this is approved a much more detailed stage 2 bid process will begin in early in the New Year and further consultation events will be arranged.

Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn said: “It’s clear from the open events, the displays and the consultation that people are reallypassionate about the Dome. They see it as part of our heritage, our identity and, like me, they want to end years of neglect and stagnation and bring it back to life.

“I couldn’t agree more with these views; something has to be done about the Dome and the surrounding area. Like many people I was bitterly disappointed when the first bid was unsuccessful, but was reassured that the Heritage Lottery Fund also recognised the importance of the building through their continued support to submit a new application. However, this time I also thought it was important for the community to demonstrate their overwhelming support for refurbishing the Dome and redeveloping the site.

“The council and residents are in complete agreement – we want the Spanish City Dome site to once again be the symbol of a successful seaside, restoring pride in the area and attracting more visitors and investment.

“We’re hoping to find out by the end of the year if this new bid is moving to the next stage but in the meantime we have to be realistic and consider what to do if we don’t get the grant. This council is facing an extremely difficult financial situation and we have to address £20m of financial pressures next year.

“However now that local people have said that they want the restoration of the Dome and the Spanish City area to go ahead, I’m determined to make it happen. This council will be restarting the regeneration of the area and kick-starting the economy of North Tyneside. We want to transform Whitley Bay and the coast so that it is once again the number one destination of choice for families, tourists and businesses.”

The Spanish City redevelopment has been hit by delays however current planning permission, granted last year, would allow the Dome to be converted for leisure and retail use.

The council are urging North Tyneside residents to submit their views in pursuit of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant worth £3.5 million.

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