Demolition works on a derelict coastal "eyesore" are under way with plans to redevelop the site for housing.
The vacant former watering hole 42nd Street, on North Parade, Whitley Bay, was scheduled for demolition and redevelopment in September 2022 by North Tyneside Council. The pub closed its doors in 2018 and has been left to decay ever since.
North Eastern Holdings Ltd was permitted by the local authority to demolish the site and replace it with 19 two-bedroom apartments.
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Whitley Bay councillor John O'Shea said: "At the moment the stripping of the internal fixtures is nearly complete. I think it's hoped that in the next two to three weeks it will be demolished and make way for construction works.
"The construction works I am told will take around a year to complete for the 19 apartments. I'm really pleased this eyesore on the seafront is going to be demolished and replaced with some housing which is much needed in Whitley Bay.
"It's a great occasion that 42nd Street is being demolished and will be a welcome addition to the seafront when we get rid of it."
The prospective housing has proved historically controversial in Whitley Bay. Original plans to construct 22 apartments on the site were scaled back after several residents complained of overdevelopment.
One resident even went so far as to describe the original project as "ugly". Meanwhile, others lamented the loss of further parking in Whitley Bay which has been a constant source of frustration with locals.
The pulling down of the ex-bar formed part of North Tyneside Council's aim to remove derelict buildings from the seafront.
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