Investment Plan

The Board is a business-led partnership including representatives from the private, public, community and voluntary sectors.  

Consultation was undertaken in 2021 and 2022 to gather a wide range of views about the challenges facing the town as well as opportunities for the future.  This led to development of the following investment themes: 

Growing Town

To grow our economy and population by building on our established manufacturing strengths, and capitalising on low carbon industry opportunities, investing in business growth, high-quality job creation, education and skills, housing, leisure, and culture for the benefit of all of our people, communities and businesses.  

Vibrant Town

To increase vibrancy and activity in Ashington town centre, creating a thriving community of residents of all ages, workers, and learners using the centre for leisure and culture, education, employment, and housing, providing a place where everyone feels welcome and safe.  

Connected Town

To make Ashington an accessible and well-connected town, supporting growth and improving quality of life by making it easier for residents, workers, learners, visitors, and businesses to arrive at and move around the town, and to be digitally connected.  

Inclusive Town 

To enable all of Ashington's people, communities and businesses to share in the benefits of growth through access to better skills, jobs and housing, and to be resilient to challenges, including unemployment, economic exclusion, digital exclusion and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The plan was endorsed by Ashington Town Board in August 2023 and projects are being developed to deliver against the vision and ambition of the investment themes. 

The Board aims to support regeneration in the town through investment, strengthening cultural assets, supporting skills and business development for local people and businesses.

The Board was established in April 2021.  It is made up of representatives from key public, private and community sector organisations.  Its role is to steer Ashington's vision and objectives for the town, to oversee the creation of the Ashington Investment Plan, and the delivery of projects within the deal.

Contact: growth@northumberland.gov.uk