Northumberland town transformation continues with "vibrant" beachside development

The first phase of a new retail and leisure development in a Northumberland town is nearing completion, with the first tenants on course to take occupation before Christmas.

The Links at South Beach in Blyth is set to welcome bakery giant Greggs and local beauty salon Shorelocks when finishing touches are made in December. In recent weeks two further lettings have been agreed, including with Prudhoe based Italian coffee house Caffe Ginevra.

North East retail property consultancy @retail is currently taking enquiries from more potential occupiers hoping to be part of the project by Blagdon Estate and Kingsmead Developments, which will also feature a Co-op convenience store in the largest of the units, spanning 3,760 sq. ft.

@retail will also soon confirm details of a bistro bar and events business that is set to move into unit 1a at the new coastal hub. Meanwhile, two acres of adjacent land, formerly occupied by derelict farm buildings, have now been cleared to make way for phase two of the scheme.

It is proposed that this will feature a hotel and gastropub to bring further visitors to this “vibrant” part of Blyth, where the long, wide beaches form part of a designated area of Special Nature Conservation, popular with families, cyclists, day trippers, water sports enthusiasts and residents alike.

Anthony Finn of Caffe Ginerva, which offers Sicilian deli treats such as traditional cannoli with premium coffee and home-made ice cream, said: “As a Northumberland based company, we’re proud to be part of this new and exciting phase in Blyth’s history, and can’t wait to open our doors at South Beach.”

@retail’s associate director Jonathan Chapman, commented: “This is an incredible time for Blyth, with 600 homes having been built in the area over the last decade, and more still planned, including nearly 400 at Persimmon’s South Shore, along with forthcoming plans for a new train station – all of which is contributing to the area’s rising visitor numbers.

“South Beach has a great deal going for it, and I have no doubt that remaining phase one units won’t be available for long.”

Three units remain available to prospective tenants keen to be part of the development; a 1,200 sq. ft. unit for a hot food business, a 1,103 sq. ft. area in the main terrace, and the 4,520 sq. ft. first floor, with fantastic views over the beach and surrounding countryside, making it ideal for a restaurant or leisure facility.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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