Member Article

Business cases invited for Tynemouth open-air pool

Adverts will go out this week from North Tyneside Council inviting new business plans for the future development of Tynemouth open-air pool.

Potential bidders - both businesses or community groups - will be asked to come forward with innovative ideas that can complement the council’s package of improvements for the borough’s coastline. However, all proposals must be supported by business and funding plans.

Elected Mayor, Mrs Linda Arkley said: “We have listened to what people have said and withdrew our proposals to develop Tynemouth Pool from our Coastal Communities Fund Stage 2 bid in the face of the public comments about that proposal.

“We are now inviting the community or developers to come forward with their alternative business plans for the future of Tynemouth pool.

“It is a prime site along our coastline that has caused a lot of concern for the public over the years and everyone is keen that we get a long term solution.

“I would urge anyone who has an interest in the future development of the site to come forward with their business plans, and plans for the funding of the project, both for the development of the scheme and future running costs for any facility.”

The former pool fell victim to the lack of public demand, when the trend in UK seaside holidays reduced.

The pool has been in filled and is part of the council’s sea defences. The ingress of water onto the site is one of the problems any developer would need to consider.

In August the local unveiled its plans to transform Tynemouth open-air pool into a visitor attraction and events space .

This included an accessible raised viewing platform, seating and lighting; Informal play area with stone seating walls; Multi functional performance space - volley ball, beach football, theatre; Informal seating/arts space/possible kiosk location; Upper walkway and viewing terrace accessible by a DDA ramp; New central steps with informal turf seating; Improved ramped access.

The council have already met with the leader of the Facebook campaign, which called for the council to abandon its own plans for the open-air pool, and invited the campaign group to participate.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jeanette Hedley .