Geograph - photograph every grid square

The original Spanish City Fairground Link opened in May 1908 and in 1909, the Whitley Pleasure Gardens Company began extending the site into a larger pleasure gardens attraction. Additions included the iconic dome of the Spanish City which measured 73 feet in height and 52 feet in diameter; second in size only to the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. During the Second World War, Spanish City closed down but, as one of the most iconic features on the North East coast, steps were taken to camouflage it from aerial attacks.

The Spanish City Amusement Park continued to be a major attraction after the war and was immortalised in the Dire Straits song “Tunnel of Love” but its demolition was announced in 1999. The Dome building, which is Grade II-listed (English Heritage Building ID: 303431 Link (Archive Link ) British Listed Buildings) was bought by North Tyneside Council; significant structural and restoration works are being carried out to bring the building back to its former glory (Link (Archive Link ) The Journal)