Spanish City opens its doors to the public this weekend following major restoration.
Here’s everything you need to know about our ‘open for viewing’ weekend.
What times will the building be open during this weekend?
From 12.30pm until 5.30pm on Saturday (21 July) and 9am to 4pm on Sunday (22 July).
Will anything be open inside?
Not yet, this weekend is just a chance to have a look around the building – it will start opening to the public from Monday (23 July).
Where can I park?
A full list of parking facilities is available on the council’s website here . The nearest car park is the Spanish City car park but stewards will be on hand to direct people to other nearby car parks if it is full. However, please try to use alternative forms of transport where possible and to plan your journeys carefully as it will be busy.
Is there disabled access and will I be able to bring a pushchair?
Yes – there will be a separate entrance (at Valerie’s tearoom) with lift access and an area to leave pushchairs. Again, stewards will be on hand to advise.
How long will I have to queue for?
It’s impossible to say exactly but stewards will do their best to keep queue times down as much as possible by keeping people continuously moving through the building via a designated route when they get inside. We appreciate everyone’s patience though and ask you to please bear with us – it will be worth the wait!
Will the toilets be open during the viewing weekend and are there baby changing/disabled facilities?
It won’t be possible to use the toilets inside during the viewing weekend but there are public facilities, which are accessible, a short walk away at Watts’ Slope. There are baby changing and disabled facilities at various locations inside Spanish City which will be available when it officially opens.
What will be on offer when it opens?
A dedicated function space for weddings, parties and corporate events; Valerie’s, a traditional tearoom; Trenchers, a fish and chip restaurant and takeaway; The Spanish City Waffle and Pancake House; a fine-dining restaurant 1910 (Seafood and Steak) named after the year Spanish City was built; and a Champagne Bar.
What will be open on Monday and when will the other facilities open?
Everything except the fish and chip takeaway and 1910 restaurant, which will both open some time in August.
Will I be able to just come in on Monday?
Yes, however bookings won’t be open yet so it will be on a first come first serve basis.
Are dogs allowed inside?
Only assistance dogs will be allowed inside the building but there is outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
How do you apply for a job here?
Visit the Spanish City website and look under careers.
When was Spanish City built?
Spanish City was the idea of businessman Charles Elderton and it was built in 1910 and is believed to have taken just 80 days to complete. It was designed by architects Cackett Burns Dick.
Why is it called the Spanish City?
Charles Elderton first brought his ‘Toreadors’ concert party to Whitley Bay between 1904 and 1907. They performed on a temporary stage in what was then the home of Rockcliffe Rugby Club, next to Whitley Park. To protect the audience from the elements, canvas and wood awnings were built and painted to look like a Spanish village, hence the name Spanish City.
What has the building been in the past?
It has had many uses including a permanent funfair, concert hall, restaurant, roof garden and tea room before becoming a ballroom. It later became an amusement arcade, laser quest arena and live music venue.
When did it close?
It was closed to the public in the early 2000s.
How much has the restoration cost?
About £10million in total - £4m investment from the council, £3.47m from Heritage Lottery Fund and over £2m from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund. Restoration work got underway in September 2016.
