Member Article

Arch appoints Surgo to help build Newbiggin regeneration

Arch, Northumberland’s ‘profit for purpose’ company, has appointed Surgo Construction to redevelop two former public houses into a new commercial and housing hub, as part of a scheme to regenerate Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

Arch is investing £1.3m to develop the site, located on Front Street, with an additional contribution coming from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Town Council. Surgo will carry out the work in January 2017, with completion expected by autumn 2017.

After successfully gaining planning consent in November 2015 the derelict public house buildings were demolished. Following demolition, further site investigation work was required to establish the ground conditions leading to a requirement for more design input.

The site was originally planned to be the home for library services in Newbiggin, however this has relocated into the town’s sports and community centre protecting both essential services.

This latest investment follows the successful Windsor View development by Ascent Homes, an Arch company in Newbiggin.

Local county councillor and Deputy Business Chair at Northumberland County Council, Cllr Liz Simpson, said: “This building is an exciting development which will benefit the people of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

“The development will house a mix of new commercial businesses, 8 new apartments to rent and modern and accessible public conveniences so supporting the increased visitor numbers to the Town.

“The building has been supported by the Town Council who will have a permanent high street presence upon its completion.

“We’re lucky that we have Arch working to increase opportunities for investment in our town and it’s my job to make sure that resident’s aspirations are listened to.

“The job is to build on these schemes and encourage even more investment. That means new jobs and opportunities for Newbiggin. We’re serious about Newbiggin and over £5m in planned or actual investments shows that we’re starting to get results”