£70m Northumberland town centre regeneration programme nears completion

Blyth town centre is getting a boost over Easter with the finishing touches being added to the Bowes Street, Church Street and Wanley Street improvement project, part of the £70m Energising Blyth regeneration programme.

In April, the area will have new planters, trees, a planting scheme and additional seating installed on Church Street and Wanley Street. This replaces the tired, damaged and unsafe planters and pagoda that once featured prominently in the area.

The purpose is to create a “more welcoming, attractive and enjoyable” space in the town centre to encourage people to visit the area. The coastal look and feel of the new planters, planting and street furniture are inspired by Blyth Beach and Blyth Staithes and are all sourced from the United Kingdom including from Northumberland suppliers.

The project has been delivered by Northumberland County Council and funded in partnership through the Government’s Accelerated Towns Fund and Blyth Town Council.     

Councilor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for business at Northumberland County Council, commented: “It’s fantastic to see this part of town coming back to life with these improvements.

“This project is an important first step in delivering our ambitions to reinvigorate Blyth town centre making the area more welcoming and accessible for residents, visitors and businesses. I would like reiterate our thanks to local businesses and residents for their patience as we have delivered the improvements.

“Later this year further investment in the town centre will begin including the new Culture Hub and Market Place and Bridge Street Improvements alongside the new Energy Central Learning Hub being constructed at South Harbour.”  

Councillor Warren Taylor, Mayor of Blyth Town Council, added: “We’re really pleased to see that that access to Bowes Street is now reopened providing easy access to the local shops and businesses. We are looking forward to seeing the additional measures put in place including new street furniture and floral displays to lift the street even more this Summer.”

New parking and access arrangements will be introduced in the area this summer following previous consultation and engagement on the scheme. Drop in events will be held after Easter providing a further opportunity to feedback on these arrangements.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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