Whitley Bay in North Tyneside is to receive a £20m investment in leisure and sports services as part of a wider £60m regeneration scheme.

Projects incorporated in the plans include a new arts hub at the Whitley Bay Dome and nearby Playhouse, a £4.5m upgrade of the Whitley Bay Leisure Pool and a new skatepark.

The arts hub project will see the Grade II-listed Dome converted into a 200-seat studio/conference area, with a restaurant on the first floor, as well as exhibition and rehearsal space.

The Playhouse will receive £5.5m from North Tyneside Council as part of an £8m, two-phase programme to revitalise the popular theatre, creating a new front-of-house and improved auditorium.

Work will begin on the Whitley Bay Leisure Pool revamp at the end this month, which will include a new entrance and reception area, new ‘active play’ equipment, a flume, new soft play area, a new gym, refurbished sauna and steamroom and a dance studio.

Other projects that have already benefited from the cash boost include the £9m Killingworth Lakeside Centre and the £1.5m refurbishment of Tynemouth Pool.