Newcastle University wants a new public entrance, exhibition space and footbridge at Cullercoats' Dove Marine Laboratory, backed by a £336,971 Lottery award.

Newcastle University has applied to extend the Dove Marine Laboratory on Cullercoats Bay and open it up to the public. The plans add an exhibition space, an education suite and a new pedestrian bridge serving a new public entrance at second-floor level (application 26/01101/FUL).

The council’s internal target for a decision is 23 September. The building is part of Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, and the pediment facing the sea is dated 1908.

What is proposed

The full application, prepared by SPACE Architects with agent DPP, covers:

  • a two-storey extension holding office space, a laboratory and a tropical back aquarium
  • a single-storey extension with a drying room, toilets and storage, under a green roof
  • two single-storey roof extensions containing the new education suite and exhibition space, with glass balustrades so the roof can be used
  • a new pedestrian access bridge and external platform linking the building to the existing steps to the west, creating the public entrance
  • a new lift, internal refurbishment, and an extension to the garage

Partial demolition of later additions is included. The council’s conservation advice at pre-application stage was that every elevation of the building is visible, and that removing some of the later, harmful additions would be positive.

The Lottery money behind it

The project is backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It awarded the university £336,971 on 19 June 2025 under its Heritage Grants programme, for a project titled “Realising the marine heritage of the Dove Marine Laboratory” (Heritage Fund project record).

The fund says the project will redevelop the laboratory into a more accessible educational resource for community use. It pairs the building work with an engagement programme about the natural heritage of the North East coast and marine conservation.

Dove Marine Laboratory: the route to a decision 19 Jun 2025 £336,971 Lottery award 28 Jul 2026 Application submitted 5 Aug Validated 10 Sep Advertised comment period ends 23 Sep Council decision target Source: North Tyneside Council planning register, 26/01101/FUL; National Lottery Heritage Fund. Graphic by Whitley Bay News.
Graphic by Whitley Bay News

A sensitive spot to build on

The laboratory sits on the beach in the Cullercoats Conservation Area, on the council’s local register of buildings of special architectural and historic interest. Five listed structures stand within about 170 metres, including the Grade II listed Rocket Garage and Cullercoats Lifeboat Station, and the Grade II* Cliff House.

The site is also in Flood Zone 3 and next to the Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice Site of Special Scientific Interest. The council’s ecologist asked the university at pre-application stage to consider roosting bats, breeding birds and the coast designations, and the application includes an ecological appraisal, a wintering bird survey and a habitats assessment.

Historic England was consulted and decided not to offer advice, saying the council should rely on its own conservation and archaeology specialists. The planning officer’s pre-application view was that the principle of development is acceptable, subject to heritage, ecology, drainage and coastal stability being addressed.

What it means for you

  • A working laboratory most people have never been inside would gain a public front door. The new bridge entrance, exhibition space and education suite are designed for visitors, not just researchers.
  • Comments are open until 10 September, the end of the advertised period. Quote application 26/01101/FUL on the council’s planning portal.
  • A decision could come within the month. The council’s target is 23 September, with a statutory deadline of 30 September.
  • Our planning news page follows the borough’s applications, and our things to do page covers Cullercoats Bay as it is today.

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