A cutting-edge design collective has been chosen to add some creative flair to the improvements being made to Whitley Bay’s Northern Promenade.
Following a competitive tender process, North Tyneside Council has appointed a consortium to develop a number of ideas to complement the ongoing work on the seafront stretch.
All based in and around Newcastle city centre and with strong links to Whitley Bay, the group features ‘xsite architecture’, designer-engineers ‘Raskl’ and design and branding experts ‘Electrik Sheep Design’.
Between them, the three firms have been responsible for award-winning projects such as the refurbishment of Hoult’s Yard and the Toffee Factory in Newcastle, as well as the Tyne Salmon Trail public art commission for the Environment Agency and Enchanted Parks in Gateshead.
Work is continuing to breathe new life into the Northern Promenade with new seating and surfacing as part of the council’s £36m Seafront Master Plan.
The authority has commissioned the consortium to draw up bespoke public realm designs, working alongside its existing delivery partner Kier, to bring some creative flair to that part of the promenade.
Some initial ideas, including street furniture featuring custom designs, have been put forward which the council will work with the consortium and its delivery partners to develop further before they are presented to the public at a later date.
Norma Redfearn, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “I am delighted to welcome ‘xsite’ on board as part of the exciting project to brighten up and transform the Northern Promenade.
“As a council we look forward to building an exciting and strong relationship with the consortium and working with them to develop their ideas for the seafront in order to come up with some designs which will really complement and add to the improvements already taking place.”
Adrian Philpotts, partner at ‘xsite’, said: “We’re really pleased to have been chosen to work with North Tyneside Council on their plans for the Northern Promenade at Whitley Bay.
“With so much going on to transform the seafront and the wider town it’s great as designers to have the chance to play our part through developing our ideas for the promenade.”
In the original brief candidates were asked to come up with ideas to add creativity and breathe new life into the seafront as well as helping to revitalise the promenade and its surroundings, enhance the distinctiveness of the town as a visitor destination and improve the visual and physical connectivity to the Spanish City and St Mary’s Lighthouse.
The proposals should also contribute to the council’s priorities to make Whitley Bay a great place to live, work and visit.