Oh, I do like to stroll along the prom, prom, prom
OFFICIAL OPENING PLANNED AS WORK FINISHES
A MAJOR project to revamp the Central Lower Promenade in Whitley Bay has now finished and the site has fully reopened to the public.
Work to transform the seafront stretch, opposite the former Rex Hotel, started in March last year.
It involved strengthening the sea wall at beach level to protect nearby homes and businesses, as well as construction of a new rear wall on the lower section and a series of other improvements.
On the upper promenade, the footpath has been returned to its original width and new rose and sandstone coloured surfacing has been laid.
Custom-made balustrades, which cover around 240m, have been installed, and Grant’s Clock has been repainted in the traditional Whitley Bay colours of blue and green.
The lower stretch has new ‘buff’ coloured surfacing, ramps and steps. In addition, there is also space for pop-up stalls to set up, subject to demand.
Railings, also in the Whitley Bay colours, have been installed throughout the area, and new bins, benches and street lights have been added.
The job was carried out in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, Hall Construction Services, the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water.
Now an official launch event has been planned for May 25 at 2pm to coincide with the start of the Whitley Bay Carnival.
The event will involve a parade featuring schoolchildren in carnival costumes, music from jazz band The Vieux Carre Jazzmen and a glimpse of this year’s main carnival centrepiece, a giant queen ant.
Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “This is another huge step forward in our ongoing work to breathe new life into the coastline at Whitley Bay.
“Our work at Central Lower Promenade has proved complex and presented different challenges along the way but the end result not only looks fantastic and has really revital-
ised the area, but will also protect nearby homes and businesses from the threat of coastal erosion.
“It has been lovely to see families and visitors enjoying the new promenade and its bright new look also fits in wonderfully alongside the other changes taking place at the Spanish City, Northern Promenade and all the way along to St Mary’s Lighthouse.
“I am really looking forward to the launch event, which will also be a brilliant way to mark the beginning of the popular Whitley Bay Carnival.”
Carol Alevroyianni, Whitley Bay Carnival producer, said: “The opening of the newly-refurbished promenade opens up all sorts of exciting possibilities for future years and we will be trying out a few street acts there this time.
“But first, we will be kicking off the celebrations with the carnival ball. Like the carnival, it’s a real family do and this year we have a one-off performance of the Baghdaddies Big Band with some of the region’s finest musicians on stage.”