The County Council is seeking public views about the planned improvements to Bridge Street in Blyth town centre.  

 

The Bridge St Improvement Scheme is a key part of the £70m Energising Blyth regeneration programme to grow, renew and connect Blyth with construction on the scheme expected to begin later this year.  The project is funded by the Future High Streets Fund by UK Government and Northumberland County Council.  

 

From 10-4 on Friday, 3rd March, Blyth businesses, workers, and residents are being invited to a special drop in event in the Project Space in the Keel Row Shopping Centre, to find out more about the plans and provide feedback.   

 

An online survey is also available for those who can’t attend the event available at https://nland.cc/BridgeStreet from Thursday, 2nd March to Friday 17th March.  In addition there is also a separate drop in for the Taxi Trade only from 10-1 on Thursday 16th March at the same venue.  

  

The proposals include new lighting, paving, street furniture, and greenery to make Bridge St a welcoming gateway into the town with a similar look and feel to the recent improvements on Bowes St.  A new dedicated cycle path and traffic calming will be introduced at key crossing points between the Market Place and the roundabout to the East of Bridge Street making the area safer for all while still maintaining access for a range of vehicles including buses and taxis. 

 

Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Cabinet Member for Business at Northumberland County Council, said: “The regeneration of Blyth is well underway with visible improvements on Bowes Street and Church St. Major projects including the new Culture Hub and Market Place and the new Energy Central Learning Hub at the Port of Blyth are starting later this year. 

 

“Bridge Street is a key part of the town centre and these proposals are vital in making the town centre a more welcoming, safe, attractive and better connected place.   

 

“The improvements planned will make the street much more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.  It will improve the connections from the planned improvements on Market Place to the Quayside in particular linking the town centre to the National Cycle Network.   

 

“The public events this week are a great way to get involved and anyone is welcome to attend.  There is also an online survey and we are also contacting businesses and the taxi trade in the area directly as its important to ensure everyone has ample opportunity to have their say on what is currently being planned.” 

 

Blyth Town Council, Mayor Warren Taylor, said: “This is such an exciting time for Blyth and we would encourage residents and business to get involved to find out more and feedback on the new plans for Bridge Street. 

 

“The drop in event is a good opportunity to do so and I encourage as many people to visit the Project Space in the Keel Row Shopping Centre to find out what is happening in and around the town centre or complete the survey online.”