£30m Northumberland energy site regeneration commences

Work has begun on the new £30m development of the Northumberland Energy Park site in Blyth.

Formerly Blyth Power Station Enterprise Zone, the area saw a groundbreaking ceremony take place ahead of work beginning on the site to bring it back into use.

The regeneration of the site, situated on the Blyth Estuary, is anticipated to attract investment from oil and gas companies, offshore renewable energy providers and subsea industries, creating jobs in the region.

Led by local initiative Advance Northumberland and funded in part by the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the project is expected to be completed in 18 months’ time.

Chair of Advance Northumberland Cllr Richard Wearmouth explained: “The start of the infrastructure works is a big step forward for Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland.

“Moreover, it represents a giant leap for Blyth putting the development site on the map for the offshore industry and building upon the Port of Blyth successes.”

Ray Browning, programme manager at the North East LEP, added: “These important initial works will assist greatly in the attraction of private sector investors to bring the site back into use, creating new jobs and boosting the regional economy.”