Work starts on new Northumberland retail and leisure centre

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jan 11, 2022

Work on a new £4.5 million retail and leisure development in the Northumberland seaside town of Blythe has begun.

The 16,000 sq ft centre at Blyth’s South Beach “will help to transform an important part of town” boosting the local economy while creating 75 full- and part-time retail and leisure jobs, local officials told Bdaily News.

The development's first 3,750 sq ft phase, part of ambitious plans by developers Blagdon Estate to transform derelict buildings and land on the Links Road, is expected to be trading by September. This will include six retail units ranging from 1,000 sq ft to 3,350 sq ft.

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An additional 4,000 sq ft of residential space will include a new health and fitness gym, studio or restaurant.

The project is seen as an important regeneration initiative for the town and follows economic impact studies and research revealing that visitors to Northumberland spent over £1 billion when they visited the county in 2019.

Stuart Hall, director at Kingsmead Developments, development partner with Blagdon Estate, said: “The new hub will deliver a wealth of benefits for local residents and traders, as visitor numbers continue to increase, and people spend on local amenities.”

Associate director Jonathan Chapman added: “We are seeing a lot of interest in the units from potential occupiers who are keen to tap into a vibrant local economy and a growing residential population.”