Borderlands projects advance across county

A series of regeneration, tourism and energy projects across Northumberland are moving closer to delivery as investment plans continue to progress through a regional growth programme.

Northumberland County Council has outlined significant progress on schemes being delivered through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, with developments planned across town centres, visitor attractions and low-carbon infrastructure.

Among the key projects is the Hadrian’s Wall Visitor Exploration scheme, which will create a new 2km segregated cycleway alongside the Military Road, linking key Roman sites and visitor destinations across the county.

The project will also introduce 41 digitally enabled waymarkers and information points designed to improve accessibility, visitor connectivity and sustainable travel opportunities.

Elsewhere, five potential schemes being developed through the Borderlands Energy Programme are projected to create 35 jobs, reduce carbon emissions by more than 1682 tonnes and attract an additional £3.81 million in investment.

A number of town centre regeneration projects are also progressing through the Northumberland Borderlands Place Programme, a ten-year £21 million investment initiative.

Planned developments include:

• Alnwick – improvements to the bus station, restoration work at Northumberland Hall and proposals for a new skills and innovation hub.
• Haltwhistle – upgrades to the town’s swimming pool and new visitor facilities linked to its ‘Active Centre of Britain’ branding.
• Rothbury – public realm, visitor infrastructure and parking improvements across the town centre.
• Prudhoe – redevelopment of the East Centre into a youth and community facility, alongside upgrades to Glade Town Square.
• Bedlington – plans for a heritage café and bistro at Bedlington Station, plus wider town centre improvements.
• Newbiggin – promenade transformation works and enhancements to the Maritime Centre.
• Bellingham – redevelopment of the Station Yard site and expansion of the Heritage Centre.

Several schemes are expected to move into delivery between 2026 and 2027, subject to funding approvals and consultation processes.

Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “We’re continuing to progress and accelerate the delivery of a huge range of improvements to towns across our county. 

“Borderlands is a great example of cross-border, cross-county and cross-party working.

“While projects of this scale do take time, the results are always worthwhile.

“Each project in this county is designed to make a positive impact locally as we continue to deliver the Borderlands Place Programme throughout Northumberland.

“These are exciting times as more schemes are taken forward and delivered.”

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