Revised plans to refurbish St Mary’s Lighthouse and visitor centre in Whitley Bay have been approved.
At a meeting on Tuesday 24 April, members of the Planning Committee granted the amended scheme permission.
The proposals also received backing from Historic England, Natural England and the Environment Agency.
If the project is successful in obtaining support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) the project will see the Grade II listed lighthouse, former keepers’ cottages and visitor centre completely refurbished.
According to the report presented to planning, part of the entrance to the existing visitor centre will be demolished and a new single-storey extension will be built in its place.
Another single-storey extension will be constructed to the visitor centre east elevation, storage and plant rooms will be built and the causeway will be repaired without affecting tide coverage times. The existing bird hide will also be refurbished.
A Nature Reserve Management Plan has also been included to consider the management of the wider site and the impact of any redevelopment on wildlife habitats. Improved visitor information and site interpretation has also formed part of the revised scheme.
The new plans have been drawn up in partnership with appointed designers Beaumont Brown Architects and will also see:
- Rebuilding of the original optic
- Expanding and improving educational facilities
- Upgrading toilet facilities
- Increasing the size of the shop
- Improved and updated visitor interpretation
- New lifts providing access to all floors
The council and its partners will now continue to work to secure £2.1m from the HLF to carry out the repairs.
Development funding of £164,300 was awarded by HLF, thanks to National Lottery players, in May 2016 and the final bid for the remaining money is due to be submitted in the summer for consideration later in the year.
Patrick Melia, Chief Executive, North Tyneside Council, said: “We are pleased that this vital scheme to safeguard the future of the lighthouse and surrounding area has been successful. It is one of the final key parts in our improvements along the coast.
“The lighthouse has played an important role in the education of children and as a popular visitor attraction and events space over the years and these plans will only enhance this.
“We now look forward to working with the Heritage Lottery Fund on our bid for funding to allow us to carry out the work which will have a number of benefits for residents and visitors alike.”
The project is part of the council’s £36m Seafront Master Plan for Whitley Bay to breathe new life into the stretch of coastline between Cullercoats Bay and St Mary’s Island.
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