The project, which has been approved by Northumberland County Council, includes provisions for a new cinema, improved pedestrian facilities and a public realm at Portland Park.
The new programme brings together funding from the council, the North of Tyne Combined Authority and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the recently announced award from the Government of £16.4m for transformational investments at Wansbeck Square and Portland Park sites.
The acquired funding will also support a full programme of cultural events from Autumn 2023 to March 2025. Commenting on the plans, County Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, said: "This is a major milestone in the redevelopment of Ashington town centre.
-- Advertisement --
"The new Programme brings together a suite of emerging investments which will significantly contribute to the economic growth of the town and build on the game changing opportunities of the new passenger rail service to transform the town's future.
"To have reached this stage is down to the commitment of everyone involved, from residents and businesses through to staff, Councillors, Ashington Town Board members and many others.
"It is a signal of our commitment to supporting the delivery of the Ashington Investment Plan developed with our private, public and community partners in the town."
Adding to the optimism surrounding the plans, John Johnston, Chief Executive of Bernicia and Chair of the Ashington Town Board, said: "I'm delighted to see this new Programme being created by the council in support of the Ashington Investment Plan.
"Ashington is a town with major assets and huge potential and this suite of projects will help to secure a town centre the whole community can be proud of. This is a key priority for Ashington Town Board which has, and will, continue to bring partners in the town together, to champion our town with the aim of making it a fantastic place for all."
