Spanish City

by ADP

Client North Tyneside Council 

Award RIBA North East Award 2019

Spanish City is an iconic local landmark which was close to ruin. Originally opened in 1910 as a concert hall, restaurant, roof garden and tearoom, and much altered since, the building was closed permanently 18 years ago. The brief to the design team was to restore, refurbish, regenerate and revive the Grade II listed structure in line with North Tyneside Council’s £36m seafront masterplan.

The way in which the design team approached the project is to be applauded. Retaining and restoring original features whilst providing high quality facilities and services which will sustain the building’s future.

The rotunda has been returned to its original splendour, removing the floor added at first floor level. Lost features including balustrading, plasterwork and glazing were reconstructed from photographic records. Lifts, staircases and mechanical plant serving the historic interiors is housed behind new green perforated copper clad structures, added to the south and west. Roof sculptures and dome pinnacle in the same colour are offset against the bright white rendered facades. New glassed-in loggias at first floor either side of the entrance on the principal façade house restaurants, bars and function rooms.

The renaissance of Spanish City symbolises its importance to the local community and its relevance as part of the wider coastal masterplan. The pragmatism of its brief and the design skills brought to bear upon its restoration and regeneration should safeguard its future for years to come.

Internal area 3,385 m²

Contractor Robertson Construction

Structural Engineers Billinghurst George & Partners

Environmental / M&E Engineers Mott MacDonald

Landscape Architect Place On Earth

Operator Kymel Trading Ltd