Coastal representatives in North Tyneside have voiced disappointment after STACK Leisure shelved plans to restore Whitley Bay's Empress Ballroom, part of the Spanish City complex. The firm announced late last week that it had dropped the project, citing development costs, planning and legal requirements, and infrastructure considerations as major factors.
STACK cites costs and requirements
STACK Leisure also said proposals to restore the old M&S unit in Silver Street in Durham City would not go ahead. While not completely ruling out a future project in Whitley Bay, chief executive Neill Winch said: "While that ambition remains unchanged, the reality of delivering large-scale regeneration and hospitality projects has meant that pace has not been achievable. We do not want to continue holding back regeneration and investment while projects move further and further down our timeline so have had to make this very difficult decision."
Councillors react to decision
A group of cross-party councillors, who signed an unanswered joint letter to STACK in June this year calling for clarity, have now vented their frustration. St Mary's independent councillor Judith Wallace said: "It's disappointing that STACK didn't reply to our letter and, after such a long wait, has pulled out of this development. However, it's a difficult time for businesses – energy costs are high, employers' National Insurance has gone up and there's a lot of uncertainty. We don't have a business-friendly government. Whitley Bay has a lot of small independent businesses and I hope another developer will come forward for this site to add to the town's attractions."
Labour councillor for Cullercoats and Whitley Bay South Willie Samuel said: "Very disappointing that we had no response at all to a letter signed by all local members across political parties until now, and even more so that this promised development has fallen through after all this time."
Future plans for the site
STACK joined forces with property developer Mark Holmes in 2023 to boost existing plans to restore the Empress Ballroom, which had been delayed by the Covid pandemic. Green councillor for Whitley Bay North Helen Bell said: "I was happy to sign a letter with other coastal councillors to push for some clear action and decision-making on the project. Now that we finally have the outcome, I feel it is disappointing for the local community but probably no great surprise." She added: "I look forward to working with partners on a new, viable and sustainable solution for the site." STACK Leisure declined to comment.
