Ashington cinema plans defended by Advance Northumberland after questions raised about the project

A consultation event for the new cinema at Portland Park was held on Wednesday, but some residents reacted to the news negativity, questioning why the town needed a cinema.

The development was being funded by central government as part of the previous Conservative administration’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.

Speaking at the consultation event, Advance’s director of projects defended the proposals, which will also see two new restaurants built on the site.

Andrew Mowbray also explained that the funding for the project was ring-fenced.

He said: “There has been a mixture of views on it but we have got good support for it. There was a consultation back in 2018, which resulted in a cinema being the chosen option for the site.

“The government funding was awarded on the basis of the cinema scheme. It is for a cinema, not an open ended development.

"We have had lots of positive feedback, not 100% but you would never expect that.

“We believe it is a really nice, compelling design that fits well into the town.”

Asked about the potential operators of the restaurants, Mr Mowbray added: “At this point, we do not have any committed tenants.

“We are not really actively pushing that. Further down the line, once we secure planning, that would be the time we would expect that interest to come forward.

“Fast food would not be the preferred option according to feedback, but I would not like to speculate.”

The cinema will be operated by Reel, which was founded in 2001 and operates 16 cinema complexes across the country.

Advance said the “exciting cinema-led development” will “transform” Ashington town centre.

However, members of the public attending the consultation event remained unconvinced. Resident Bev Hamilton pointed out most people streamed their entertainment and cinema use was declining, meaning she would have preferred to see a community venue.

Labour’s Cllr Caroline Ball, who represents the Ashington Central ward, welcomed the investment, but also questioned the decision to build a cinema.

She said: “As ever, I welcome a cinema and I welcome anything that is going to bring jobs and get rid of the ‘Ashington Hole’, but I have numerous concerns about the development as a whole.

“I welcome the plans and look forward to seeing spades in the ground and to attending the cinema. I am concerned about highways issues.

“This was meant to be levelling up. It should be a destination venue for the town, a reason for people to come to Ashington.

“At the moment, every town in Northumberland is a carbon copy of each other. What is the reason for people to come to Ashington?

“We need a bigger, wider plan for people to come and go from town to town in the county. I welcome the investment and the money, but I think we could be more ambitious and I think Ashington deserves better. But it is a start.

“I also want to see proper restaurants, not just burger chains or coffee shops. I do not want to have to go to Morpeth or Cramlington for a nice meal.”