Bright future for St Mary’s Lighthouse
DETAILED plans have been unveiled to restore a coastal landmark as a bid for cash is lodged to help towards the project.
North Tyneside Council is asking for £2.1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to carry out vital repairs to St Mary’s Lighthouse and the former keeper’s cottages in Whitley Bay.
A sum of £164,300 was awarded by HLF in May 2016 so that progress could be made on the proposals. Now the final bid has been submitted.
Meanwhile, a planning application has also been lodged, detailing what the restoration would involve if the lottery cash is received.
The scheme, drawn up with designers Beaumont Brown Architects, includes restoring all lighthouse facilities and rebuilding the original light to create a new feature for visitors.
There are also plans to improve and expand educational facilities to give visitors the chance to learn more about St Mary’s Island. Other improvements include: A glass-covered first-floor viewing area to provide a sheltered space during bad weather
Open decks to the south and east to provide extra viewing areas Upgraded toilet facilities Increasing the size of the shop Initiatives to improve the experience of visitors, including a new flexible learning area linking the cottages to the lighthouse New lifts providing access to all floors Replacing the causeway leading to the island
Repairs to the existing walls and gates outside, new surfacing and refurbishment of the bird hide.
Plans to improve disabled access have been backed by the North Tyneside Coalition of Disabled People, which has been involved in drawing up the designs.
Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “St Mary’s Lighthouse is a real jewel in the crown for our coastline and it is absolutely vital that we carry out these repairs to preserve it for future generations.
“A great deal of hard work has gone into preparing a robust bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and I would like to commend everyone involved for their efforts. “The final designs look fantastic and fingers crossed our bid will prove successful and we’ll be able to start to make these changes a reality in the near future.”
An environmental assessment has been carried out which considered the potential effect on wildlife. All appropriate controls will also be in place and the proposals will be subject to consultation as part of the planning process.
An activity plan featuring various educational and heritage themed events will also run alongside – and following the completion of – the work, including celebrations to mark the 120th anniversary of the lighthouse.
A ‘Back the Bid’ campaign is ongoing and is aimed at encouraging people to support the HLF funding bid.
A decision on the final cash bid is expected in December. If successful, the main work is expected to begin in spring 2018 at the earliest, with completion due in spring 2019. Mayor Norma Redfearn How St Mary’s Lighthouse, in Whitley Bay, could look following the proposed restoration