Blyth's Bridge Street set to be transformed this autumn
26 Jul 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Work is set to get underway on £2.7m major improvements to transform Bridge Street in Blyth - with work due to start this September.
Following design work and engagement with residents, businesses and key stakeholders earlier this year, the final scheme will deliver a welcoming entrance to the town centre, improved walking and cycling routes and will increase active travel in the area.
This project is part of the £90 million Energising Blyth regeneration programme, that aims to grow, renew and connect the town. The project is funded by UK Government and Northumberland County Council.
Work on the project is due to start in September and will be delivered in phases. Access to all businesses and bus services in the area will be maintained throughout the scheme’s delivery.
Temporary road and footpath closures will be in place during each phase of construction, and a diversion will be in place. The scheme will be completed by Winter 2024. Local businesses will be contacted directly in the coming weeks to inform them of the detailed arrangements for the scheme which will be available on the council’s website.
The plans aim to make Bridge Street a welcoming space with improved lighting and landscaping. The improvements ensure that cyclists and pedestrians can access a much-improved connection between the Quayside and town centre increasing connectivity with the North Sea Cycle Route and Coast and Castles Cycle Route, both of which currently bypass the high street.
The project will be delivered alongside the construction of the new £14.7m cultural venue alongside significant improvements to the Market Place which will be getting underway this summer. Together the investment will make a major positive impact to improve the town centre.
To find out more about the Bridge St Improvements and the new Cultural Venue and Market Place residents and businesses are being invited to a drop-in session on Thursday, 27th July at the Project Space within the Keel Row Shopping Centre between 2pm - 7pm.
Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are proud to unveil the fantastic improvements that will be delivered on Bridge Street.
“The improvements to the area will make the whole are feel more welcoming, safe and accessible for all to boost trade in the town centre connecting the town centre more effectively with the Quayside offer.
“The scheme includes new areas of enhanced public realm and greenery enhancing the historic character of the street, traffic calming measures including safer crossing points and a dedicated area for a taxi rank in the centre of town alongside a new cycle route. Together with the major investment on Market Place this investment will make help us to transform the town for everyone’s benefit.”
Mayor Warren Taylor of Blyth Town Council said: “The Town Council welcomes the improvements coming to Bridge Street.
“The unveiling of these designs represents just one in a series of ongoing developments which will help transform our town, bringing long term benefits to all who use it.”
Cllr Kath Nisbet MBE, County Councillor for Croft Ward said: “Bridge Street is an important part of the town centre and it’s great to see improvements will be getting underway later this year to boost the area. Thank you in advance to everyone in the area for their support while the works are done.”