Member Article

Newbiggin regeneration continues as £1.3m retail project gets underway

Regeneration work at Newbiggin by the Sea is showing little sign of slowing as Newcastle-based construction company Surgo has begun work on a new, £1.3m mixed-use development at the seaside town.

The project, led by Northumberland development company Arch, to develop a three-storey building providing retail and housing space is based on the former site of the Railway Inn and The New Dolphin pubs which have since been demolished.

Comprising three 1,500 sqft retail units at ground floor level, on the upper floors, eight, two-bedroom apartments available for rent by Arch Homes will be created.

Councillor Dave Ledger, Chairman of Arch, said: “This latest mixed-use scheme is really positive for the town of Newbiggin.

“The creation of the apartments by Arch Homes, new public amenities and the commercial premises in the town will help regenerate the seaside town, boosting the local economy and supporting the tourism industry. We look forward to the project completion this summer and the benefits it will bring to Newbiggin.”

County Councillor for Newbiggin Central and East, Liz Simpson added: “I am very pleased to see the work on the new development has commenced, which will be a very positive step forward for the town.

“It will help with regeneration of the town centre, providing a new building with both public facilities and high quality accommodation for rent”.

Surgo’s construction director Jeff Charlton was on hand to support the first spade in the ground to mark commencement of construction.

Speaking about the contractor’s involvement, Mr Charlton said: “Towards the end of another busy year we were delighted to hear the news that we had been awarded this latest contract and presented with an opportunity to work on Arch’s behalf, as it continues to deliver interesting and much needed new developments throughout the county.

“Living locally as I do, it is refreshing to see such development and investment taking place in Newbiggin.”