Culture hub plan for old toy museum
REVAMP FOR FORMER TOURIST ATTRACTION
Reporter A DERELICT tourist attraction could be turned into a cultural hub under a major scheme.
The Toy Museum, based at the Palace Building, Grand Parade, Tynemouth, closed in September 2012.
Now plans have been unveiled to transform the site into a cultural centre and public events space.
Developer Sudfeld Ltd has been chosen by North Tyneside Council to carry out the project, following several years of negotiations.
Proposals have now been submitted to the authority for permission to proceed.
If the scheme is approved, the space formerly occupied by the museum will host exhibitions and events. The developers say local businesses have already expressed an interest in making use of the new hub once it has been completed.
Sudfeld also want to transform the exterior of the Palace Building and rejuvenate the run-down façade.
All existing tenants of the building are to remain in their current units.
Trevor Hastie, director of Sudfeld, says he is keen to press on and bring the plans to reality.
He added: “Following detailed negotiations to get to this stage, we now want to move forward as quickly as we can to bring this iconic building back into use and restore it to its original grandeur.
“It is in such a fantastic position and it is such a shame it has stood empty for so long.
“We want to create a cultural hub and exhibition space which is wellused by the local community and visitors to Tynemouth alike.
“We have already been approached by a number of local businesses about the possibility of holding events there once it opens. We want to create something that benefits everyone and that is a real asset to the local area, and will continue to work closely with North Tyneside Council to achieve that.
Sudfeld has been supported by Newcastle law firm Sintons, with Mark Dobbin, partner and head of real estate, acting for the developer.
Mr Dobbin said: “Trevor has been unfaltering in his commitment to this project, putting together comprehensive plans to bring this iconic seafront site back in use for the benefit of local residents and businesses, tourists, and the wider North East economy.
“We are very pleased to be involved in such a fantastic regeneration project.”