The leisure firm Stack submitted plans to redevelop the Grade II Listed former Carlton Bingo/Empress Ballroom and create a function room, wedding suite, cabaret and performance venue, late-night cocktail bar, restaurant, and roof terrace. Permission was granted in March 2021, but work was delayed by Covid and storm damage. Work did eventually start but has stopped while revised plans by Stack submitted in May 2023 are considered.
The original entrance to the venue was through the Dome building, and the base of the steps leading to the auditorium can still be seen. The entrance has been bricked up. Beneath the restored dome is an upmarket restaurant operated by a firm unconnected with Stack. They objected strongly to the internal link being restored, which meant a new two-story glass and steel foyer and entrance building being constructed to the rear of the auditorium. This has been partially completed, and new photographs are attached.
As of 7 August 2025, the is no evidence of any work on the building. However, in an interview with the Newcastle Chronicle on 7 July 2025, Stack has “reassured the public that it fully intends to get the former Empress Ballroom back up and running in the face of complicated planning conditions.”
I have added a photograph of the interior of the former Roxy, which I visited today. It has been restructured with a drop ceiling. Nothing visible remains to indicate the building’s former use.
Further to David Simpson’s comments, the Jam Jar is still thriving and is well supported by the local community. Dan Ellis and his team are exceptionally welcoming. Dan is also in charge of programming and the operation of the new Market Pavilion cinema in nearby Blyth.
The Jam Jar operates from what used to be DSS offices above a parade of shops in Whitley Bay. The exterior is somewhat unprepossessing, but the interior is a delight and has surprisingly spacious and charmingly decorated public areas, including a well-stocked bar and cafe. The three screens are small but comfortable with good sight lines.
The leisure firm Stack submitted plans to redevelop the Grade II Listed former Carlton Bingo/Empress Ballroom and create a function room, wedding suite, cabaret and performance venue, late-night cocktail bar, restaurant, and roof terrace. Permission was granted in March 2021, but work was delayed by Covid and storm damage. Work did eventually start but has stopped while revised plans by Stack submitted in May 2023 are considered.
The original entrance to the venue was through the Dome building, and the base of the steps leading to the auditorium can still be seen. The entrance has been bricked up. Beneath the restored dome is an upmarket restaurant operated by a firm unconnected with Stack. They objected strongly to the internal link being restored, which meant a new two-story glass and steel foyer and entrance building being constructed to the rear of the auditorium. This has been partially completed, and new photographs are attached.
As of 7 August 2025, the is no evidence of any work on the building. However, in an interview with the Newcastle Chronicle on 7 July 2025, Stack has “reassured the public that it fully intends to get the former Empress Ballroom back up and running in the face of complicated planning conditions.”
The partially completed new foyer/entrance building at the rear of the auditorium.
I have added a photograph of the interior of the former Roxy, which I visited today. It has been restructured with a drop ceiling. Nothing visible remains to indicate the building’s former use.
Further to David Simpson’s comments, the Jam Jar is still thriving and is well supported by the local community. Dan Ellis and his team are exceptionally welcoming. Dan is also in charge of programming and the operation of the new Market Pavilion cinema in nearby Blyth.
The Jam Jar operates from what used to be DSS offices above a parade of shops in Whitley Bay. The exterior is somewhat unprepossessing, but the interior is a delight and has surprisingly spacious and charmingly decorated public areas, including a well-stocked bar and cafe. The three screens are small but comfortable with good sight lines.
After a 500,000€ renovation this cinema reopened in September 2014 as the Cinema Ideal.
Each day there are four different shows, primarily art house and Portuguese films.