Blyth's former civic centre to be converted into education facility as planning approval granted
Blyth’s former civic centre can now be converted into an alternative education facility, following a council planning decision.
Northumberland County Council’s planning committee has granted permission for the former civic centre, on Renwick Road, to be given a new lease of life. The facility can be transformed to offer alternative education.
The scheme, estimated to cost almost £6 million, will help both children with special educational needs and those aged 16 and above. Education would be provided by the Northumberland Skills and SEND provider, Apex.
The council-owned building was most recently used as office space. However, staff were moved out as part of cost-cutting measures in 2024 and relocated to the council’s Morpeth HQ.
Plessey councillor David Swinhoe proposed that the front of the building be utilised as a museum, though this was not part of the application.
According to the plans, the site can provide education for 40 pupils aged 16 and over who are outside of ordinary education. In addition, the site will house 40 pupils with special educational needs. The site would also require around 30 members of staff.
Cramlington Village councillor Mark David Swinburn said: “Across the country, we have rapidly increasing needs with educational needs and wherever we can meet those needs and provisions, it is absolutely essential.”
The council’s education department endorsed the proposed “high-quality” local education offer. The scheme was recommended for approval by council officers.
The proposed hours of operation are a standard 8.50am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, for pupils. The building has also been encouraged for use by the wider community between the hours of 4pm to 9pm during the working week and 8am to 6pm on the weekends.