Residents go behind the scenes at Spanish City as re-opening draws closer

Residents who have gone behind the scenes of the restoration of the Spanish City Dome have been back to see the latest work.

More than 200 people were treated to a special second visit to the iconic Grade II-listed building as part of a number of tours last Saturday.

Residents enjoy a second look at the refurbishment of the Spanish City Dome in Whitley Bay. North Tyneside Council, in partnership with Robertson and architects ADP, are carrying out a major revamp of the Spanish City to bring it back to life as a high-quality fine dining and leisure venue.

Work is due to be complete in the summer before the building is handed over to operators Kymel Trading ready for reopening later in the summer.

The special tours were put on to give those who had previously been randomly selected to take part in a look round the building during earlier stages of the restoration work, which got underway in September 2016, a chance to see the changes that have taken place since.

Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE said: "I was delighted that we were able to welcome back some of those visitors who have been along on previous tours.

"It was a fantastic opportunity for them to see the exciting progress and the improvements inside and out and they are all really proud of what they have seen and appreciate what we have done. "Excitement is really building ahead of the long-awaited reopening of this iconic building that is being brought back to life and there isn't much longer to wait now.

"The Dome belongs to the people of the borough – we are providing a top quality venue and it will certainly be worth the wait!"

Visitors Pauline and Colin Rudd, from Leeds, said:

"The building is looking absolutely stunning. We know the Spanish City from years ago and saw it unfortunately fall into decline but they're doing a fantastic job of regenerating it.

"We remember what it was like when we were kids and playing in the amusements and going in the shops on the front so it was brilliant to come on the tour and the council are doing a great job – it's starting to look really good."

Niamh, Ian and Steve Mason said: "I love that the building is keeping some of the original features – it was and is a beautiful building. Well done all, you've done an amazing job."

Audrey Tarn added: "I enjoyed seeing the transformation from the shell it was to the wonderful and iconic structure it has been returned to." "It has been an honour to be allowed to see this progress and I can't wait for the opening!"

The project was procured through Scape Group's National Major Works Framework, now superseded by Major Works Scotland, part of the (Scape) National Construction framework, and delivered by Robertson in partnership with Willmott Dixon.