North Tyneside Council is considering appointing a private operator to run St Mary’s Island and visitor centre in Whitley Bay.

The iconic site, with a lighthouse, attracts up to 80,000 visitors each year and offers a range of activities and events. However, it is in need of investment and modernisation.

The council plans to retain ownership, but is considering offering the lighthouse on a lease for at least five yars.

Elected mayor for North Tyneside, Linda Arkley, says: “An alternative provider may be able to run the facility more cost-effectively than the council, and invest in the facility in ways that the council can’t. We will ensure that any new provider will share the council’s vision for its future success, so that the facility remains a great attraction for tourists, as well as a community venue and valuable place of learning.”