The Tynemouth Plaza
was opened in 1878 as the Aquarium and Winter Garden. The central
block had an arched glass roof over an elegant winter garden,
with large aquarium below. Lower still , at beach level a
refreshment bar and promenade was located. On either side of the
main block was a five storey tower to provide further refreshment
rooms. On the seaward side was an open-air skating rink capable
of being flooded for use as a seawater bathing pool. In 1890 the
building was renamed-The Palace and the winter garden was
converted to a theatre. The glass roof was replaced with
corrugated iron. In 1996 a fire destroyed the once magnificent
building and what remained had to be
demolished.