Designed by local architect J.R. Wallace, with building work being completed in 1939, the Park Hotel was once regarded as one of the most modern and up to date establishments in the country with a commanding and prominent position on the seafront.
At this time, access to the hotel was only possible from Grand Parade, as the short link road connecting The Broadway with the seafront had not yet been built.
The general contractor was the local building firm of Hastie D. Burton, with many of the furnishings, fittings and hardware also being supplied on a local basis by Bainbridge and Sons, T.D. Stewart and S. R. Gladston.
Originally, the hotel had 30 rooms and two suites all of which boasted hot and cold water; however, over the years a number of alterations and extensions have substantially increased the size of the building, which now boasts a total of 55 bedrooms. The hotel ballroom has long been celebrated and many formal dances and notable functions have been held there over the years.
Although the basic element of its original Art Deco style still exists, much of this has been overshadowed by subsequent alterations to the building.
During the 1960s it was possible to enjoy a meal in the adjoining restaurant from the a la carte menu for around £1.
The original proprietor from 1939 to 1947 was a Mr. Reginald Wright, and since then there have been a number of other owners or managers. During the 1980s, the hotel was taken over by a consortium of local businessmen and in 2000 it was sold to the Gill family who remain as the present owners.
Having recently undergone some renovation work, the Park Hotel still remains an important feature on the Tynemouth coastline, and forms part of the recent history of Tynemouth.
by Charlie Steel © 2011
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, local historian Charlie Steel has lived almost all of his life in Monkseaton. His books “Monkseaton and Hillheads” and “Inns and Taverns of North Shields” are published by Tempus and are available in all good book shops.
All Charlie’s articles which are featured in Roundabout Monkseaton can also be found on his website www.monkseaton.info. Charlie also writes articles for Roundabout Tynemouth.
If you have any old pictures or photographs of Monkseaton that you would like to share then please e-mail Charlie at charlie@monkseaton.info.