Multi-million pound Northumberland retail and leisure hub launches ahead of summer

Development of a new £4.5m retail and leisure scheme at South Beach in Blyth has completed with three businesses already open and ready for a busy summer of trading.

Greggs, Caffe Ginevra and Shorelocks Hair and Beauty have all opened their doors at The Links, which will also be welcoming a Co-op convenience store in the coming weeks.

North East retail property consultancy @retail, acting on behalf of Blagdon Estate and Kingsmead Developments, has recently completed a fifth letting to Breeze, a bistro bar and events business which will open in June. The letting to Breeze means only three units currently remain within the first phase of the coastal hub.

Stuart Hall of Kingsmead Developments commented: “Reaching completion of Phase 1 is a fantastic milestone and with summer around the corner, it’s the perfect time for our first tenants to open their doors.

“Following our recent letting to Breeze, another exciting new business will soon be arriving here in this beautiful part of the Northumberland coastline. Given the prominence of the scheme and coastal position, we are confident that lettings will be secured for the final three units in the coming months.”

Anthony Finn of Caffe Ginerva, which offers Sicilian deli treats such as traditional cannoli with coffee and home-made ice cream, added: “We are delighted to have opened at The Links and it’s been a very busy start for us.

“The coastal location and range of shops and amenities at South Beach combine to make it a very popular location with tourists, day trippers and local residents.”

@retail’s associate director Jonathan Chapman said: “Only three units remain available at The Links – a 1,200 sq. ft. unit for a hot food business, a 1,103 sq. ft. unit 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 – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily