Whitley Bay swimming club applies to carry out facelift to promenade HQ
Whitley Bay’s swimming club hut on the promenade will receive a facelift if plans are approved by North Tyneside Council.
The Panama Swimming Club has applied for permission to refurbish its structure on the Northern promenade to patch up wear and tear.
The application calls for the largely single glazed and rotten windows and shutters to be replaced to improve weather protection and reduce water intake.
The proposal also requests permission to remove the exterior metal sash and shutters for a new sill. It is hoped the repairs and amendments will solve the hut’s current damp and ventilation issues.
The application states: “This will also improve visibility from within the building which supports an improvement in safety as swimmers/beach goers can be observed more clearly, the current view is encumbered by the metal sash.
“This has been supported by the RNLI and local coastguard due to an increase in callouts at Whitley Bay beach.”
The plans have garnered the support of Whitley Bay North councillor John O’Shea, who said: “The proposed fantastic improvements to the Swimming Club pavilion will bring another great attraction to the Northern Promenade and will be another major venue for Whitley Bay and this popular swimming club.”
According to council documents, the club has been the sole occupier of the structure since its construction in 1930. The last recorded works on the building occurred in 2018, when the metal sash was first installed.
The application continues: “Panama Swimming Club takes pride in its long history. We are the only remaining sea-swimming club in the area after the decommissioning of Tynemouth outdoor pool and the Poseidon Diving Club on Cullercoats pier.”