Spanish City restoration works completed

Construction work to restore Whitly Bay's Spanish City has now been completed.

Works to renovate the site began two years ago after a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £3.47m was given to North Tyneside Council. The Council invested £4m and the Coastal Communities Fund around £2m.

The Grade II listed building was built in 1910 and has been a major attraction in the North East. In the restoration process historical images and drawings were used as a reference point because the original details were lost over time.

Commenting on the restoration Norma Redfearn, elected mayor for North Tyneside, said: "It's been a long time coming but I am absolutely delighted that it has finally been restored to its former glory and we can now start a new chapter in the rich history of this truly iconic building."

Gary Hope, managing director of construction firm Robertson North East, who led on the project, said: "The restoration of such a beautiful and iconic building has been an absolute joy to work on for the last two years.

"The detail that has been achieved is truly astonishing and I'm sure local residents and visitors to the site will agree."

An 'open for viewing' celebration is to be held on Saturday 21 July and Sunday 22 July. The Spanish City will formally re-open on Monday 23 July.