This was Tynemouth Plaza as it was 30 years ago in March 1993. By then, generations of Geordie pleasure-seekers had flocked to the Victorian-built attraction on Grand Parade - but only a few years after our photograph was taken, the place would become a fire-hit ruin and ultimately be demolished.
The Plaza opened in 1878 as a coastal leisure complex and was home to an aquarium, winter gardens, and a roller-skating rink, which could be flooded to provide a sea-water bathing pool. There were also 'club' facilities, including card, billiard, reading and smoking rooms.
The ballroom – for which it would be best remembered – and a restaurant opened later. The building's imposing outline dominated the view along Tynemouth Longsands and instantly became a local landmark. Interestingly, the Plaza could have looked very different if the original planned shore-level pavilion, colonnade and promenade had ever been built.
