The Council is moving forward with the purchase of two major town-centre sites in Ashington for just over £1.5m. These sites, known as ‘Grand Corner’ and Wansbeck Square, are integral to the £30m regeneration plan in Ashington. The purchase recommendation follows the appointment of design teams for the ambitious revitalization plans across the town.
The Ashington Regeneration Programme was established in 2023, aiming at stimulating the town’s economy and contributing to the delivery of the Ashington Town Investment Plan. The programme combines significant funding from the council, the North of Tyne Combined Authority, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the government’s most recent award of £16.4m for transformational investments at the Wansbeck Square and Portland Park sites.
These capital projects are a fundamental aspect of the long-term vision for the town centre, improving pedestrian movements through the high street, and connecting Woodhorn Road to Portland Park at ‘Grand Corner.’ They are designed to create new facilities at either end of the high street to increase vibrancy, footfall, and spending. Demolition of existing buildings at Wansbeck Square and potential construction of a new community facility could commence in Winter 2024 with completion forecasted for March 2026.
The proposed Grand Corner Gateway in the northeast of the town centre, on Woodhorn Road adjacent to Lintonville Terrace, will see demolition of an existing end building later this year, followed by public realm works starting in January 2025, with completion expected by summer 2025. Construction work on the proposed new cinema facility at the Portland Park site could begin in late Autumn 2024, with a projected opening in early summer 2026, as forecasted by Advance Northumberland.
Plans for the regeneration of Ashington include the reopening of passenger rail services to the Northumberland Line and the development of a state-of-the-art ‘Gen Zero’ Northumberland College campus at Wansbeck Business Park, funded by the Department for Education. In this regard, Cabinet is requested to approve the development of a high-level business case to the North of Tyne Combined Authority to secure funding from the Northumberland Line Economic Corridor Investment Fund for the redevelopment of Wansbeck Square.
County Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, stressed the importance of the acquisition of the two key sites in the town. The investments are critical steps in the regeneration of Ashington town centre, alongside the new Northumberland Line Ashington Station. Councillor Ploszaj expressed gratitude for the support of all partners, announcing that significant improvements to Ashington town centre will begin later this year.
Overall, the creation of the Ashington Regeneration Programme adds to the significant investments already planned in Ashington town, making it an attractive destination for visitors and the community. The initiative represents a significant opportunity for businesses to engage with the Ashington market and promote their services.
