Blyth secures £20 million regeneration boost

A Northumberland coastal town is set for further regeneration after securing a multi-million-pound funding package to support community and economic growth.

Blyth has received approval for a £20 million, ten-year investment through the Government-backed Pride in Place Programme.

Officials say the funding will focus on locally led priorities, including revitalising high streets, improving transport links and enhancing community, cultural and sports facilities.

Plans also aim to tackle anti-social behaviour while supporting youth initiatives and wider economic development.

Alan Ferguson, chair of the town’s Pride in Place Board, said: “We are so proud to receive confirmation of the Blyth Pride in Place funding. 

“As chairman, I thank all the board members for their hard work and commitment through the consultation phases and preparing our bid. 

“We can now put all our plans into action with our community.”

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council and lead on regeneration, as well as vice chair of the Blyth Pride in Place Board, added: “The town is on the up, being well positioned as a leading clean energy sector, the new rail line and major improvements delivered to kick start the renewal of the town centre.

“The Pride in Place Programme will build on this enabling new projects in Blyth which focus on community and business-led improvements.  

“We have listened carefully to what local people and our partners in the town want to achieve and this investment over the next decade means we can go even further to transform the town.”

The programme, which builds on the existing £95 million Energising Blyth regeneration scheme is designed to give residents greater influence over how funding is spent, helping shape the town’s future.

Tony Quinn, vice chair of the Pride in Place Board, added: “We can build from the solid foundations of the investment over the past few years. 

“The Board have seen amazing transformations in Blyth and we want to ensure Blyth embraces the technology we are developing here at the Catapult Centre, along with the Energy Central Learning Hub which offers a huge range of training and education that will equip the next generation to work in high quality jobs and raise their families here.”

Claire Young, member of the Blyth Pride in Place Board and local community volunteer with Blyth Community Volunteers, Friends of Ridley Park and Friends of Blyth Tall Ship, added: “I joined the Energising Blyth Board last year which brings together people from the community as well as private and public sector partners who are all passionate about Blyth and want to ensure it has a vibrant future.

“Being involved in community and volunteer activities in the town, I’m really excited to be part of this phase of Energising Blyth and as chair of the Communications group, there is a lot to do in coming months.”

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