South Shields bar The Sand Dancer to get massive £130,000 redevelopment after plans approved

The new bosses behind the Sand Dancer last year revealed plans to transform the Sea Road venue into a beach bar and restaurant as part of a major £130,000 investment.

As part of plans to develop the site further, a planning application was submitted to South Tyneside Council in February 2020.

The proposals from applicant, Punch Taverns, included extending the outdoor area with new timber decking and paving, three timber beach huts and two pergolas and refurbishing existing garden and decking areas.

According to venue bosses, the changes aimed to provide more seating and space for groups to enjoy sea views and late summer sunsets.

Following a period of consultation, South Tyneside Council approved the plans on April 1.

One letter of support was received from a Brass Thill Way resident who said that the plans would be an “asset to the current seafront offer.”

In a decision notice council planners added the loss of parking at the pub, as a result of the extension, would not create any “unacceptable impact” on highway safety.

They also noted the “substantial amount of public car parking available” in the area.

In late March, Sand Dancer bosses confirmed the venue would temporarily close in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

This was in line with Government guidance for restaurants, clubs and pubs across the country to close their doors to prevent the spread of the virus.

A statement posted on the Sand Dancer’s Facebook on March 20 reads: “We will return, our development outside will be finished.

“We would like to thank each and every one of our customers, suppliers and musicians that have made us what we are today.

“Thank you to the team that have put in the shifts with mounting pressure around their jobs and homes.

“Stay safe everyone and we will hopefully see you all soon down by the coast.”

A Facebook post the following day added the business would not offer a takeaway or delivery service and focus on “securing funding for staff and safeguarding their jobs for when we can reopen.”

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