North Tyneside Council is set to draw up a masterplan to regenerate Whitley Bay town centre as soon as this summer.
According to council documents, the plans intend to upgrade the town centre's sustainable transport links and improve the "public realm". It is hoped the redevelopment will create new opportunities for investment and support existing businesses.
Whitley Bay councillor John O'Shea said: "I am really pleased the council is taking forward the regeneration of Whitley Bay to make it an even better shopping experience than it already is. Whitley Bay is unique in as much as it has a significant amount of independent shops.
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"Hopefully after the consultation thereafter the redevelopment of Whitley Bay will follow on. We need to include local residents, businesses and the voluntary sector in the consultation to make the balance."
Coun O'Shea went on to say it was crucial that "no matter their [residents'] personal situation" residents must be able to get to Whitley Bay town centre by public transport or by car. Coun O'Shea also hoped the recent regeneration of the coast, including the redeveloped promenade, and the removal of derelict buildings, would spread to the town centre thanks to better transport links.
The summer consultation for the masterplan comes after the recent regeneration of Northumberland Square in North Shields. The square has been highly commended in the Institute of Civil Engineers 'North East Robert Stephenson Awards'.
Since reopening, the area has hosted exciting events such as the multicultural North Tyneside Together celebration and the North Shields Christmas Markets. The project, which is part of North Tyneside Council’s regeneration masterplan for North Shields and the Fish Quay, was completed in September 2022.
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