Plans submitted to bring STACK to an iconic Whitley Bay venue

The plans are being brought forward by the Danieli Group in the hopes to house a new STACK development in the former Empress Ballroom in Whitley Bay.

The ballroom, which was originally part of the town’s Spanish City, is currently lying empty and has fallen into disrepair.

Mark Holmes, the current owner of the 113-year-old building, did have plans to transform it into a leisure and community venue; however, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed them.

Despite the planning permission for a leisure venue being in place, the Danieli Group has applied for a variation of the plans to create STACK Whitley Bay.

Neill Winch, CEO of the Danieli Group, believes STACK would be “a great addition” to the town, especially as it brings an iconic building back into use.

He said: “Not only will it bring a new dimension to the existing leisure offering, but, subject to planning and licensing, it will bring an underutilised building – and much-loved heritage asset - back into use.

“We are delighted to hopefully be able to continue to build STACK’s strong presence in the North East with this new and exciting venture.”

Built in 1910, the Empress Ballroom would regularly host upwards of 750 dancers before it went on to become the Carlton Club Bingo Hall.

The plans to restore the building include the construction of an external roof terrace, along with the premises licence application.

Mark Holmes added: “When we bought the Empress Ballroom, we had a vision for the magnificent venue, it’s really a hidden treasure in the Spanish City.

“Our plans were good, but now Neill Winch and STACK have turbo charged these plans and I am convinced they will deliver the quality venue that will benefit Whitley Bay, residents, and the whole community.”

If the application is successful, Whitley Bay will be added to the fast-growing portfolio of STACKs being created across the North East.

STACK Seaburn in Sunderland is growing from strength to strength, with devleopments also planned for Durham, Middlesbrough, Bishop Auckland, and a new site in Newcastle.

The hope is to continue along the same route as other successfull STACK developments and bring live entertainment and street food outlets to Whitley Bay.

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