Work has begun on a multi-million pound refurbishment to transform iconic Tyneside venue The Park by new owners, The Inn Collection Group.
The multi-award winning northern pub operator, who acquired the 53-bedroom venue on Grand Parade, Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear in March, have started the first phase of major redevelopment works to renovate the art deco site.
Overlooking famous Longsands Beach and close to attractions including Tynemouth Aquarium and Tynemouth Park, the works will transform the site’s accommodation, bar and dining areas to attract additional visitor income all year round, contributing to the wider economic growth of North Tyneside.
Managing director, Sean Donkin said, “We are excited that work is now underway to refurbish this extraordinary site and restore it to its former heyday. It has been in decline for a number of years and we are delighted to be giving it the new lease of life it deserves and creating a leisure gem that does this exceptional part of the Coast and its community proud.
“As a company, The Inn Collection Group have a proven reputation and track record for taking aspirational sites like this and making them shine. We have a fantastic team who specialise in delivering careful and sustainable renovation processes like this, that preserve the charm and character of the building, while enhancing its environment and facilities for our customers.
“We are carrying out a significant investment to improve the offer and quality of the former Park which will contribute massively to the wider economic growth, prosperity and employment in North Tyneside through increased overnight bookings throughout the year bringing additional people to the area and improved bar and dining areas to attract new and local custom.
“The renovation will provide excellent spin off benefits to other facilities and businesses on the North Sea coast along with the creation of new job opportunities.”
The redevelopment includes an extensive remodelling of the current bar and dining areas along with the site’s existing rooms. New external seating areas and terraces will be added, maximising the venue’s 180 degree sea views of famous Longsands beach and the site will include a fish and chip takeaway and ice cream parlour.
Refurbishment plans include the reconfiguration of a previously underused function and events area, creating an additional 20 bedrooms for guests, including sea view rooms and dog-friendly ground-floor suites.
In keeping with The Inn Collection Group’s family friendly ethos, the venue will welcome families, be dog and outdoor enthusiasts friendly, embracing Tynemouth’s beach and cycling credentials. It will feature secure bike storage, Sheffield bike stands and lockers as well as multi-use wash down areas.
As well as offering on site car parking, facilities will include EV charge points.
The former Park Hotel is The Inn Collection Group’s debut Tyneside site. The Alchemy-backed group, which is supported with banking from OakNorth, has 25 inns across Northumberland, County Durham, Teesside, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Lancashire and Wearside.
The site is expected to re-open in autumn 2022 creating 70 full time equivalent jobs and will reopen in line with The Inn Collection Group’s eat, drink, sleep and explore pubs-with-rooms brand.