Abandoned council HQ - have your say
VIEWS SOUGHT ON PROPOSALS FOR SITE
A CONSULTATION over the future of the abandoned council headquarters site in Ashington is under way.
Northumberland County Council earmarked land at Portland Park for its new £32m base, which was expected to bring 900 jobs to the town.
But the move was scrapped after the local authority decided to instead refurbish and stay at County Hall in Morpeth following the local elections in May.
Now, the public is being invited to have their say on what facilities they would like to see built on the site.
Two concepts have been put forward, which both include developing four separate plots of land, to help people come up with their own ideas.
The first idea includes building a cinema, music venue or community facilities with two floors of offices on plot one.
Plot two would be used for car parking; a retail store would be built on plot three; and another retail store with 24 apartments would be built on plot four.
Throughout the park there would be more car parking facilities, and a public open space, and it would connect to Station Road.
The second idea includes building a retail store with a drive-thru facility on plot one; using plot two for car parking; and building more retail shops on plots three and four. The consultation is being carried out by the council’s development company Arch, who has already started infrastructure work at the park. Coun Richard Wearmouth, who is also chairman of Arch, said: “We’re looking at potential community uses, how we can enhance the environment in the town and how we can attract business use.
“We want to involve local residents in giving their views on what they would like in their town centre, and start a new exciting chapter in the development of the town.
“We are confident that working with the people of Ashington we can create a fantastic new development for Ashington that people will be proud of.”
The final session takes place at Unit 1 in Wansbeck Square, Ashington, today between 1pm and 7pm.
Following the consultation, the public’s ideas will be developed to form a masterplan for the town.
Another consultation event will then be carried out on those proposals before a planning application is submitted to the council.
Council leader Peter Jackson said: “The council is determined to work with local people to create a new centre to the town which the community can be proud of.
“In addition, I can confirm that the council will deliver the £2.9m makeover of Hirst Park and that the county council has committed funds to further develop the £190m Ashington to Newcastle passenger rail connection.
“The future for Ashington and the surrounding area is definitely exciting.”
Details of the consultation, which closes on October 5, are available at www.archnorthumberland.co.uk/ arch-developments/public-events/ portland-park-2.
We want to involve local residents in giving their views on what they would like in their town centre Richard Wearmouth