However, it is time for amateur groups in the North Tyneside area to be consulted so they can have some input as to how they are going to be represented in the new cultural centres.

Culture Quarter is certainly grabbing the headlines as a group of local entrepreneurs based in Camperdown within North Tyneside who have put together their proposals for taking forward the management and development of these two very important sites.

It is imperative that North Tyneside Council listens to what Culture Quarter is proposing, as this team is familiar with the amateur theatre provided in Whitley Bay.

We are so blessed in having loyal, dedicated and very talented amateur societies in Whitley Bay and Tynemouth.

During the refurbishment they have continued to entertain and produce first class shows, however, the culmination of all this is to return to the refurbished Playhouse, be welcomed there by any new management regime and, above all else, be able to pay for the privilege of performing at the Playhouse.

Therefore, the hiring fees of the venue have to be realistic as these societies are funded by their box office takings, fundraising and the goodwill which has been built up over decades.

It is with all this in mind that the Culture Quarter proposals that are being put forward to North Tyneside Council have to be taken seriously as Whitley Bay does not want some 'faceless' organisation taking over its newly regenerated buildings, who are not familiar with what the amateur societies provide and their requirements, both financially and resource wise.

It is general knowledge that, before the regeneration began, there were some financial problems with the original management team at the Playhouse.

However, it is important that monies that were paid for memorial seats in the new Playhouse be honoured and a commemorative plaque be placed on selected seats that have been purchased by patrons in memory of past members who were loyal supporters of the original Playhouse.

The Dome is a precious building for Whitley Bay and again its creation into a culture hub attracting townsfolk and visitors to whatever is going to be inside this magnificent building, has to be thought out in a businesslike way, always bearing in mind what we want to achieve here and the financial implications.

It is hoped in this way, by attracting visitors to come to Whitley Bay for weekends to enjoy the newly revitalised town, one of the large hotel chains may see this as a good opportunity to develop a hotel complex on the remaining land on the Spanish City site.

This 'dream' has to be managed well with datelines produced.

The creation of this final piece of this first phase of the Whitley Bay regeneration has to fit together in a cohesive way with the residents of the town and its environs and our tourist footprint, thereby putting Whitley Bay back on the UK leisure map of places to come and visit.

HEATHER CARR
Hastings Avenue, Whitley Bay.

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