Dome’s gardens to be restored
PLANS FOR AREA NEXT TO ICONIC BUILDING REVEALED
Reporter PLANS for the area outside the Spanish City Dome in Whitley Bay have been revealed.
Empress Gardens – the space between the iconic building and the Cenotaph on the Links – is being restored by North Tyneside Council.
Attractive footpaths will be created to make the site more accessible and new street furniture, including seating and shelters, will be installed. There will also be new garden spaces with planters, grass and flower beds.
In addition, an area will be created for the coastal land train to stop.
The improvements complement the restoration work being carried out along the promenade and inside the dome itself, which is due to open this summer.
North Tyneside Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “I am delighted that we have reached another milestone in the project – the opening date is getting closer and closer now, and this is a really exciting time.
“The landscaping work will look absolutely fantastic and really liven the area up and give the Spanish City a fitting new look outside – I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished.
“I know the gardens have a lot of sentimental value and people like to sit in the area and take in the views and our designs are sympathetic to this.
“They include more seating than there is currently and will provide shelter from the elements.”
People are advised the area around Empress Gardens is closed so that the work can be carried out.
It will not be possible to access the gardens themselves but the surrounding paths will remain open as will the area in front of the Premier Inn, the ramp and steps at Watt’s Road, which lead on to the Northern Promenade, the Links and toilets.
The Di Meo ice cream kiosk will also remain open as normal.