After a major public consultation on the future of the seafront at South Shields, work has started on a programme of new developments that will enhance facilities for visitors and residents, and give an even greater polish to the South Tyneside tourism crown.
In 2005/6 South Tyneside Council carried out a comprehensive public consultation exercise on the Foreshore. The majority of people expressed great pride in the attractions of the beaches, promenade and parks, and general satisfaction with existing attractions and facilities – but they also want to see improvements to give the South Shields seafront even greater visitor appeal.
The seafront is recognised as one of the Council’s key transformation priorities. The Foreshore Steering Group has listened to the views of people who live and work here, as well as visitors and businesses in the leisure and tourism sector.
“The time for talking is over….”
Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of the Council and Chairman of the Foreshore Steering Group, said: “The time for talking is over. We have listened to what people want to see by way of new developments and improvements. We know how much the seafront means to local people, and recognise that it is also a wider tourist attraction. We cannot stand still. We are totally committed to making the seafront an even better place to keep people coming back, and to attract and encourage new visitors to discover the delights of our superb seafront.”
The Council has drawn up a programme of short, medium and long-term developments and work is already underway on the first of a series of projects.
South Marine Park
In order to restore South Marine Park to its original Victorian splendour, South Tyneside Council has matched the £3.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund with £1.2m from its own resources. Work will finish at the end of September and started with the opening of a new playground in 2007 which is proving extremely popular with youngsters. Restoration works in the rest of the Park include re-establishing the bandstand, restoring the terraces and the lakeside, new footpath surfacing, benches and lighting as well as the planting of new trees and shrubbery.
South Foreshore Hotel
Tavistock Leisure has been named as the preferred developer of the proposed new hotel and conference centre at Gypsies Green. The hotel will have 104 bedrooms and will initially employ 140 full and part time staff.
Dragon Football Pitches and Changing Rooms
New changing rooms for local footballers are to be provided at the Dragon Football pitches. The Foreshore Project Board is currently considering plans.
Sandhaven Caravan Park
The Park was recently sold to Northumbria Leisure by the Council and is currently being upgraded to a 5 star facility by the new owners.
Bents Park
During the 2008 Summer Festival, the public will be consulted about plans to providing a permanent stage on Bents Park.
Pier Parade
Consultants have been working with the Foreshore Project Board to look at suitable leisure opportunities for this site with a view to providing an indoor leisure facility.
Private Sector Interest
Private Sector Interest in the Foreshore is increasing as the regeneration plans take off. The new adventure golf attraction is open and the extension of the Dunes Bowling Alley to include indoor soft play, café and function room is underway. A lot of interest from businesses wishing to improve existing facilities and provide new ones has been shown, and South Tyneside Council is delighted to work in partnership with them.
Final comments
Councillor Malcolm adds: “The image of South Shields seafront as purely a centre for day visitors will, over the next few years, be challenged. Our aim is to make the seafront somewhere for people to enjoy for a longer stay, and at all times of the year, and to use South Shields as a base for visiting the rest of the region.”
Doreen Monteiro, Secretary of local historical group Caer Urfa, has enthusiastically welcomed the proposals. “I’m thrilled by the news. We have a brilliant seafront, which is part of our local heritage, and I’m delighted that the Council has come up with these marvellous plans. I’m a great supporter of what is being proposed, and I am reassured by the Council that everything will be in keeping with the area. It will only enhance this great asset for the many people who live here, or come for visits.”
For further information about the regeneration of the South Shields Foreshore, email regeneration@southtyneside.gov.uk.