Officials from Culture Quarter outlined their latest work and ideas for the iconic Dome on the Spanish City site, at a public meeting on Tuesday.

They dream of hundreds of people flocking to the building where there will be street entertainers outside, cafes and restaurants, rehearsal space, shops, an art gallery, international and social mindsport games, and various classes, such as ballroom dancing.

But they face one main hurdle – succeeding in getting North Tyneside Council to see the vision and allow them to take over the building.

Toby Bridges, a director at Culture Quarter, said it was vital for the local community to get on board as that could help bring in grants to regenerate the building.

He said: "Yes it may take time to find the money, but we want to make the Dome a true building for the people.

"We believe we are providing reasons to come to Whitley Bay but we can't do it by ourselves."

Guest speaker Bill Midgley OBE, who has lived in Whitley Bay for 31 years, believes that community groups such as Culture Quarter can succeed.

Among his various positions, he is a director at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle which is run by a community trust.

He told the meeting: "I appreciate what the arts can bring to the community.

"Hopefully what we can produce is some ideas to talk to the council with, to offer solutions and answers and perhaps challenges but not to attack the council.

"We all want the same objective – how to provide a better Whitley Bay, a better quality of life.

"We need to know what attractions are available to being people here. What is going to bring people back, what will make people stay again.

"The development of a strong arts group will generate additional wealth into the town.

"My view is we need a trust that will operate the Spanish City area. A trust involving residents, community members, interested parties and the council working together.

"What we need to achieve is a voice, a voice that can bring forward real proposals and solutions that the local authority will listen to."

Other examples of seaside towns which have been regenerated include Southport, near Liverpool, which had just received £4m to build a new arts centre.

Culture Quarter is currently based around four main areas of culture – mindsports, arts, events and incubators.

And as part of the mindsports, they are hoping to bring an international chess tournament over three days featuring up to 400 players to the town, if they can find a base.

Christine Savage, chairman of Culture Quarter, said: "We want to give people a reason to come to Whitley Bay, spend their money and have holidays like they used to.

"We want people to rediscover Whitley Bay as a place to have fun with their family."

Anyone who has any ideas for Culture Quarter or wants more information about getting involved can visit them at their headquarters on Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, or contact (0191) 253 0466.