Major transformation of Whitley Bay promenade nearing completion

Work to improve a popular seafront promenade and two much-loved cafes are nearing completion.
A view of the revamped promenade with new pebble seating.A view of the revamped promenade with new pebble seating.
A view of the revamped promenade with new pebble seating.

North Tyneside Council has invested more than £1million in the next stage of the major transformation of Whitley Bay’s Northern Promenade.

The work, started last October, has seen the promenade surface in the areas in front of the Rendezvous café, on the seafront side, and The Links Gallery Café, on the car park side, upgraded to match the previously-completed southern section of the promenade.

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New pebble seating has been installed and edging blocks and railings upgraded.

Andy Divers from Beach Access NE, Tiz Weepers from the Rendezvous Cafe, Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE, and Lori Montalbano from the Links Gallery Cafe.Andy Divers from Beach Access NE, Tiz Weepers from the Rendezvous Cafe, Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE, and Lori Montalbano from the Links Gallery Cafe.
Andy Divers from Beach Access NE, Tiz Weepers from the Rendezvous Cafe, Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE, and Lori Montalbano from the Links Gallery Cafe.

The public toilets have been given a complete refurbishment and now feature eye-catching local artwork on the walls.

The Rendezvous and Links Cafés have undergone repointing work and repairs, roof repairs and level access has been created.

The Dukes Walk car park has been resurfaced, the entrance steps to the Links Art Gallery cafe frontage have been replaced, the connecting stone stairs to and from the Links to the car park have been improved.

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The remaining works are expected to be completed in around three weeks and the promenade and car park are due to be fully reopen from around April 10.

Eye-catching photography inside the refurbished toilets.Eye-catching photography inside the refurbished toilets.
Eye-catching photography inside the refurbished toilets.

Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE said: “What a stunning transformation the promenade has undergone – it looks truly wonderful.

“The promenade and café are hugely popular and this is something residents have been wanting to see for a long time so I’m delighted to see the improvements nearing completion.

“This is excellent timing too as lockdown restrictions start to ease and it gives people extra space to get out and enjoy some fresh air and exercise with their families along our beautiful coastline.

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“We know how popular Whitley Bay already is, particularly following our huge achievements in recent years with the restoration of the Spanish City and the upgrades along the coast, and this latest project will only add to that.

“We’re still seeing new businesses set up in the town despite the challenges over the past year and by continuing with our ambitious plans for the borough it will help attract even more investment into the area.”

Tiz Weepers, owner of the Rendezvous Café, said: “We would like to thank North Tyneside Council and everyone involved who have worked so hard to complete this project on time.

“We feel so grateful to be part of this new chapter and coming out of this dreadful year of lockdown.”

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Ben Richardson and Lori Montalbano, owners of the Links Gallery Café, said: “We’re really pleased with the work that’s been carried out and we’re now looking forward to welcoming back all our customers when we reopen.”

Also, as part of the project, new facilities have been provided to store beach wheelchairs managed by Beach Access North East.

Trustee Sue Rowley said: “On behalf of Beach Access North East, I want to thank North Tyneside Council for the refurbished premises they have given us on the promenade.

"This new unit, to store our beach wheelchairs, will also be our main office.

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“I am thrilled how quickly the work is nearing completion and this new unit will hopefully encourage more people to visit the beach as we offer accessibility to all.”

Further work to complete the refurbishment of the remainder of the promenade is earmarked for the coming years.

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