Spa set to revitalise resort
THE Spa Bridlington, which has undergone a major redevelopment, has attracted £1m worth of bookings several weeks before it reopens.
It is hoped the historic venue, which has seen £19.5m invested into it, becomes a major force in the conference and events market as well as maintaining its position as a major entertainment complex.
Councillor Stephen Parnaby, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I’m delighted The Spa is already repaying this multi-million pound investment by attracting new clients.
“This is a reason to be optimistic but I believe things will grow rapidly from here as word spreads about The Spa experience.”
The refurbishment of The Spa Bridlington is a key element of the long-term regeneration plan for Bridlington.
It has been funded by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.
Bridlington Spa was built in 1896 by the Whitaker Bros, who wanted to create an entertainment venue for Victorian tourists visiting the town.
The five acre site included a theatre, concert hall, bandstand and refreshment rooms, but the original building was destroyed by fire in 1906.
The current Spa Theatre and Opera House was designed by W S Walker and opened in 1907. In 1926 the last remaining element of the original Spa was replaced with the new Spa Royal Hall.
Costing £50,000 it was a flagship art deco structure, but just six years later it burnt down. It was rebuilt in just 52 days, including the addition of a third floor.
The redevelopment of The Spa is seen as the flagship project within Bridlington’s wider urban renaissance programme.
Directly associated with the refurbishment is the ‘Spa Environs Scheme’, a range of environmental improvements in the area immediately surrounding The Spa.
Alan Menzies, the council’s director of planning and economic regeneration, said: “We fully expect The Spa to prove itself as the East Coast’s premier conference and events venue over the coming years.”
The Spa’s opening week will run from May 31 to June 7 and will include a concert by rock band The Pigeon Detectives, business events and an open day.
