The Newbiggin by the Sea Maritime Centre

Newbiggin by the Sea was once one of the largest ports on the east coast with links to the De Balliols who founded Oxford University as well as being a popular seaside resort up to the 1970’s.

Fishing has always been a part of village life with the first recorded evidence in 1199.  In 1869, 142 fishing boats, were recorded in the village. The village also has a strong mining heritage.

However, the decline in the traditional industries has had a severe impact on the town.  From Government statistics Newbiggin East  ward is ranked within the 3% most deprived areas in the country with the other ward, Newbiggin West, faring little better.

The picturesque beach which characterised the bay was also lost, partly due to the detrimental effects of coal mining.

However, the strong community spirit has prevailed together with a will to see improvements.  In recent years a number of regeneration initiatives and improvements have been made.

The Newbiggin by the Sea Heritage Association commenced in 2000 and established a Heritage Centre using the Old Beach Hut on a prime site at the north end of the promenade in Newbiggin bay.  The Centre has interesting artifacts and is open regularly during summer months supported by a dedicated group of volunteers.

In 2004 the Mary Joicey Maritime Trust Project Team was set up to take custodianship
of the ‘Mary Joicey’ Lifeboat from the RNLI, the last offshore lifeboat to be stationed at Newbiggin by the Sea.  The Lifeboat, which left in 1981, was in need of extensive restoration after spending the last few years of her life as an outdoor visitor attraction in Berkshire.                       

A succession of feasibility studies which examined regeneration options for the village consistently highlighted the potential for heritage-based projects as a means to develop the local economy and re-establish Newbiggin by the Sea as a desirable venue for a dayout at the seaside.  

In 2006 discussions by the project team with the Association and the other history group in the village  brought together one organisation – the Newbiggin by the Sea Heritage Partnership to serve all interests.  The Partnership proposes to secure funding, to build and operate the Newbiggin by the Sea Heritage & Maritime Centre.

The area around the existing Heritage Centre has been secured with a 99-year lease at a peppercorn rent from Wansbeck District Council and a robust business plan has been developed.  

Strong links have been forged with a number of organisations including the Local Strategic Partnership, Wansbeck District Council, the RNLI, Newbiggin LIFE, English Heritage, Woodhorn Museum and Wansbeck CVS.   

We have worked with James  Associates, experienced in many differing heritage building projects.   We have also worked with architectural students from Northumbria University in developing innovative designs for the new Centre, which went on public consultation in 2006, with views incorporated in more detailed plans. 

Newbiggin by the Sea is currently undergoing a £10m beach improvement project and the Centre will support this process further supporting the regeneration that is taking place.

The proposed Centre will be a year round visitor, heritage and education centre based around the Mary Joicey.  The Centre will provide tourist information, visitor interpretation and orientation, education and heritage facilities, display space for major artifacts, employment & volunteering opportunities, catering and retail facilities and a community archive for research.

The new building will be single storey and sensitive to its location close to the landmark Grade 1 listed St Bartholomew’s Church.

The building will be spacious and have an airy feel internally.  The building will be fully DDA compliant and eco friendly.

Click here to see our Project Timeline

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