Town centre will be ‘revitalised’
A £31m funding pot will “revitalise” the centre of a Northumberland town, says a council leader.
On Saturday, Northumberland County Council welcomed news from government that Blyth had been successful in its bid to claim a slice of the £1bn Future High Streets (FHSF) fund.
One of 50 towns shortlisted for the scheme, Blyth will claim £11.2m from the fund, with a further £20m coming from the council.
The council says the planned programme will deliver “a revitalised Blyth Market Place and Bridge Street with new culture and leisure facilities in the heart of the town centre”.
While more consultation is still to take place, more details and an initial timeline for the scheme have been revealed.
The town’s established reputation as a centre for the energy and offshore wind industry will be bolstered by the development of a new research and education Energy Institute.
The programme also includes projects which focus on improving green space, cycling and walking improvements to better connect the town centre to the quayside.
Northumberland County Council is working as part of the Blyth Town Deal Board with public, private and community sector partners to back the ‘Energising
Blyth’ vision.
The board says it is working to create a “vibrant town”, with the aim of developing new projects to make the town centre more “attractive, welcoming and safe”.
The scheme is expected to be delivered over three years, with work starting in Spring 2021.
More local consultation will be carried out as detailed plans are developed.
In early 2021 the town will also see work to improve Bowes Street, Church Street and Wanley Street, in the centre, thanks to cash from the new Northern Gateway project supported by the national Towns Fund, Northumberland County Council and Blyth Town Council.
A new ‘Town Deal’ is also set to be agreed with Government in Spring 2021 which could bring in up to a further £47m programme to help the town to grow, improve and renew between 2022-2026.
Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “I’m delighted the Government have backed our ambitious plans to transform Blyth town centre.
“This will be a major boost to the town centre as it also restructures and recovers from the impact of Covid-19.
“This award is a testament to the strong partnership working in the town, and thanks to residents and businesses who have told us they care about Blyth, are proud of their town but also want to see the town centre thrive again.”