Member Article

Traders flock to be part of latest phase in £36m Whitley Bay Seafront Master Plan

Local traders are flocking to be a part of the latest phase in Whitley Bay’s seafront transformation.

The £36m Seafront Master Plan, designed to reinvigorate the coastal area from St Mary’s Lighthouse to Cullercoats, has recently been the subject of much interest from local businesses and investors with North Tyneside Council looking for potential partners to work with to help deliver the overall vision.

Now, the council have received several expressions of interest from traders interested in operating a new snack kiosk, set to be installed at Watts Slope, which will open next month.

The council is working to develop the Watts Slope area into a smart new gateway to the Northern Promenade and coastline, improving access for walkers, runners and cyclists as well as opening up amazing views to St Mary’s Lighthouse. The work at Watts Slope has already seen the removal of the former Boardwalk Cafe, and temporary landscaping of the area.

Other improvements planned for the Northern Promenade as part of the Master Plan include further landscaping and development of the Watts Slope area plus a new lighting scheme from Watts Slope to the Rendezvous Café, so the stretch of the promenade can be enjoyed in the evening.

High-quality resurfacing, railings and ramps for the Northern Prom are also in the pipeline, and proposals for outdoor gym equipment, running markers, new promenade shelters and seating have been put forward.

North Tyneside is the destination of choice for around 5.8 million visitors each year, bringing £268 million into the borough and supporting around 4,000 jobs.

Elected Mayor for North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn said: “We are working towards securing a bright and successful future for Whitley Bay for generations to come, through our £36 million Master Plan for the coast, and we hope that people can now start to see and feel some really positive changes in the area.

“We know that lots of residents and visitors are keen for us to get on and deliver the improvements we have proposed, and we are already making excellent progress.

“This new kiosk at Watts Slope is another exciting milestone in our ongoing journey to create a coastline that is attractive, vibrant and full of life all year round.”

The Seafront Master Plan for Whitley Bay aims to secure the coastline’s future by encouraging even more visitors and residents to enjoy the area in new and different ways, and support business and employment for a vibrant local economy.