Two of Whitley Bay's most iconic landmarks, the Spanish City's 'dancing ladies', could be replaced, with the original copper statues being placed into a glamorous semi-retirement.
The dancing sculptures atop the Spanish city had to be taken down after one of the figures suffered damage from "significant storms between November 2021 and February 2022". Now the council is seeking permission from its planning department to replace the original dancing couple with fibreglass replicas.
It is proposed that the original figurines will be installed inside the Spanish City's entrance foyer, greeting guests as they enter.
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Whitley Bay councillor John O'Shea said: "I think it's great we are getting the dancing ladies back on top of the Spanish city and we are not losing the originals because they are going back inside where they will be protected from stormy weather.
"For me, it's a great thing to see that something is happening. Unfortunately, it will be several months before we get something in place but I am pleased with getting them back."
The fibreglass replicas will be installed with stainless steel support, reducing the possibility of movement, and making the replacements less likely to be damaged in adverse weather conditions.
The new dancing ladies will be treated with a pigmented resin to achieve a copper-like green colour. However, samples will be viewed by planning officials to approve the finish.
According to council documents: "The proposed work will not result in a significant change to the Grade II listed Spanish City building or its character and appearance. All works will be sympathetic to the listing of the building and as the replicas will appear similar in every detail there will be no harm to the historic form, fabric, materials, or detailing which contributes to the significance of the building.
"In relation to the setting of the building, the proposal will have no effect on the identified value of the building as a heritage asset and not have a harmful impact on the setting of the wider heritage asset."
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