Work starts ready for Central Lower Promenade scheme

Works are underway to prepare for a scheme to give a stretch of the seafront at Whitley Bay a new lease of life.

North Tyneside Council’s project to strengthen and safeguard sea defences will see vital refurbishment works carried out at Central Lower Promenade. 

The scheme, which has saved more than £1m of public money and has received strong public backing, involves building a new rear wall and strengthening the existing sea wall on the lower promenade, as well as improvements to the public realm. It will protect homes, businesses and the surrounding area.

The current structure is around 100 years old and is reaching the end of its serviceable life so needs to be replaced.

Planning permission was granted last month (February) and enabling works are now underway ahead of the main construction scheme starting in the coming weeks.

The site compound has been set up ready to provide a base for workers and the equipment and machinery needed to do the job.

A temporary access ramp at the Plaza end of the promenade will be created so that heavy machinery can access the lower level.

The entire lower section will then be filled with liquid concrete to provide a solid structure ready for the main sea wall works, which are expected to start in April. Refurbishment of the remaining structure will follow shortly after and all construction work is expected to be complete by winter.

Part of the footpath between Central Lower Promenade and the Spanish City Plaza has had to be temporarily closed so that the work can take place.

Members of the public will be advised of various other closures which will be in effect during the works. Regular information is also available via the Whitley Bay Seafront Master Plan Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WBMasterPlan . The public are thanked for their patience while the work is carried out.

Norma Redfearn, North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, said: “We have faced some challenges in getting to this point but we’re here now and I’m absolutely delighted to see work happening on the promenade.

“The design looks fantastic and a lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes. I’m sure the finished product will truly revitalise the area and this is yet another example of the positive changes taking place along the coast we’re seeing now.”

As well as the sea wall scheme, the overall design also includes creating an open space on the lower walkway with new seating to host potential leisure activities and events.

There will also be a commercial opportunity for ‘pop-up’ style stalls/units on the lower section while the wide upper footway will be refurbished and enhanced.

The design includes the Mayor’s commitment to replacing the balustrades and will complement the improvement works taking place at the Northern Promenade. 

The project is being funded jointly by the council and partners Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency and will be carried out in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council. 

Artists’ impressions of the Central Lower Promenade attached.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Central Lower Promenade scheme was drawn up after the Mayor decided the original plans and proposed price was unacceptable and a value for money exercise was carried out, which has resulted in savings of more than £1m. 

It has also allowed the opportunity to include some suggestions from residents.

It is part of the council’s £36m Seafront Master Plan, which aims to breathe new life into the coast between Cullercoats Bay and St Mary’s Island. 

As part of the Master Plan, restoration work to return the Spanish City Dome to its former glory is continuing apace, a new Premier Inn is nearing completion next door, improvement work – including new surfacing and seating – is taking place along the Northern Promenade, efforts are underway to secure funding to refurbish St Mary’s Lighthouse and a number of private sector schemes are also underway.

For more information about the Seafront Master Plan and the Central Lower Promenade scheme visit http://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/642/coastal-regeneration