Northumberland coastal retail and leisure scheme gets green light

A new retail and leisure development in Northumberland has secured planning permission.

Northumberland County Council have approved plans for the scheme on Links Road at Blyth’s South Beach.

Blagdon Estate has secured planning permission for the two-storey development, which is expected to create around 85 new jobs.

Designed by Newcastle-based architecture firm IDPartnership, the scheme aims to transform derelict buildings at Links House Farm into a modern gateway to the town’s South Beach.

Stuart Hall, spokesman for Blagdon Estate, explained: “We are keen that there is a local emphasis on the development to complement the existing facilities already on offer at Blyth beachfront.

“Our aim is to draw additional business and visitors into the town as a day trip destination and having local traders and produce will be a key part of this.

“This development is an important step in the right direction as part of the ongoing efforts to boost Blyth’s local economy and is one of a number of exciting initiatives coming forward.

“By creating an attractive new home for a range of retail and leisure amenities, people will want to spend more time at South Beach, which will in turn help develop a more thriving area.”

Retail property consultancy @retail has been appointed as letting agent for the scheme. Director Ian Thurlbeck added: “This development will undoubtedly enhance South Beach’s appeal and with a real focus on the local area, we are genuinely interested to hear from prospective occupiers to discuss their ideas.

“It would be great to see the space become home to a vibrant mix of uses and business concepts, to broaden the town’s overall offering and reduce the need for local residents to travel further afield for goods and services”.