Ashington Town Council Unanimously Backs Urgent Action to Save Historic Co-op Building
Ashington Town Council has unanimously agreed to take immediate action in support of preserving one of the town’s most iconic buildings – the Central Arcade, more commonly known as the former Co-op building.
At its meeting last night (8 July), Councillors passed a formal motion recognising the architectural and cultural importance of the Grade II listed building and its potential to play a key role in the future regeneration of the town centre. The motion received full support from all members present, reflecting the strength of feeling within the Council and the wider community.
The Council has now written to Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland, urging them to:
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Identify the building as a priority asset for both heritage conservation and economic regeneration.
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Explore funding, partnerships, and planning frameworks to secure its restoration or reuse.
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Take immediate enforcement action to ensure the owner complies with listed building obligations and halts further deterioration.
Originally constructed in 1924 and opened in 1926, the Central Arcade was built for the Ashington Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd. and featured a shopping arcade, offices, and a ballroom above. The building, remodelled in the 1970s as a department store, is a Baroque-style landmark recorded on the National Heritage List for England. Sadly, it has now fallen into neglect, with trees growing from its walls, visible deterioration throughout, and its once-grand central staircase now hidden from public view — a striking symbol of the building’s decline and the neglect of its architectural detail.
The motion was introduced by Cllr Caroline Ball, who spoke with heartfelt emotion about the building’s significance:
“This is more than a building – it’s part of who we are. For nearly a century, the Central Arcade has been woven into the fabric of Ashington’s story. People didn’t just shop there – they met there, they danced there, they were even proposed to there. So many people have told me their stories – this building holds their memories, their pride, their heritage.
If we say we have a proud past and a bright future, then this building could be the beacon that connects the two. It deserves to be restored, respected, and reimagined as a space that continues to serve our town.”
Ashington Town Council welcomes the regeneration investment already underway in Ashington and recognises the positive progress being made to improve infrastructure, services, and the town centre environment. However, the Council also believes that regeneration must go hand in hand with preservation — and that our heritage buildings are part of what gives Ashington its character, identity, and sense of place. These assets must be protected, respected, and reimagined, not lost.
The Council also welcomed the recent listing of the former police station on the corner of Station Road as an Asset of Community Value and has urged that it too is safeguarded from insensitive development. Both buildings are seen as key civic assets that could contribute to a stronger, more vibrant town centre if treated with care and vision.
Ashington Town Council is keen to ensure residents are aware of the action taken. The matter was formally placed on the Council agenda and agreed unanimously, and a letter has been sent to key regeneration partners. Councillors made clear their strong view that public concerns about heritage and regeneration are valid and urgent – and that the Council stands fully behind those who want to see these cherished buildings protected and restored.
Ashington Town Council will continue to engage with partners and the local community and will provide regular updates as this important campaign progresses.
Photograph credit Ashington Co-Operative Society Premises, Ashington, Northumberland - Photos
