£2m funding boost for 'vital' town centre development

Bedlington town centre is currently undergoing a significant redevelopment in order to bring in new retail and leisure opportunities as well as a small amount of housing.

The development, which is seen as a priority for both the county council and its development company, Advance, came under fire at last month’s meeting of Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley Local Area Council, with local members slamming the lack of progress on the site.

So far, just one tenant had been lined up for the four retail units, while Aldi moved into a new supermarket site at the end of last year.

But at Tuesday’s meeting of the council’s cabinet, deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth reiterated the council’s support for the scheme, with members agreeing a further investment of just over £2 million to ensure the project is completed.

Coun Wearmouth said: “This is about making sure that we keep our promise to develop Bedlington Town Centre. We have got some additional costs that require some additional funding.

“This £2 million will make sure that the scheme is realised. We have had some unexpected things that have come up that have added to the cost, Inflation has added to construction costs across not just the county but the country.

“It is absolutely vital that we get this down done. Bedlington is one of our favourite towns and the residents deserve nothing better than to get this work completed.

“This will make sure the work gets done in double quick time to make sure it compliments other things going on in Bedlingtonshire like British Volt and the Northumberland Line coming back.”

Five members of the cabinet agreed to vote through the scheme, while three abstained due to their links with Advance Northumberland.