Town Centre Developments
Ashington Town Council welcomes the continued progress on our town centre transformation, as detailed in the recent announcement from Northumberland County Council.
We're delighted that the Portland Park cinema and restaurant development is moving forward this autumn, bringing REEL Cinemas' exciting leisure offer to our community. The completion of public realm improvements around Lintonville Terrace and the new Memorial Garden will also enhance our town centre experience.
Wansbeck Square Development:
We understand there is a revised approach to the Wansbeck Square community facility in view that the original tender process for an operator did not result in a contract. Hopefully this offers the opportunity to ensure Ashington gets exactly the provision needed.
Whilst seen as a setback, optimistically the eventual operator could now be fully involved in progressing a facility that truly meets our community's needs, rather than inheriting a predetermined design. If that is the case, this could result in a much better outcome for residents.
We remain committed to advocating for meaningful community and youth facilities on this important gateway site. The creation of the station-to-town centre link in Phase 1 will provide the foundation, and we look forward to working with the County Council and our community to shape what comes next.
Your Voice Matters:
The autumn consultation will be crucial in determining how this key site serves our community. We encourage all residents and local businesses to engage actively in this process to help shape Ashington's future.
The transformation of our town centre, supported by the success of the Northumberland Line with over 400,000 passenger journeys already, demonstrates the positive momentum building in Ashington. With the new college campus opening in 2026, we're seeing real progress across multiple fronts.
We will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure these developments deliver maximum benefit for our residents and businesses.
For full details of the County Council's announcement, please see the link below. For more information, please contact growth@northumberland.gov.uk
Northumberland County Council - Ashington town centre improvements continue
For more detail on each of the regeneration projects please click on the links below:
Ashington Regeneration
Hirst Masterplan
Portland Park Strategic Site
Portland Park cinema is set to begin construction in Autumn 2025 with REEL Cinema
Public Realm and Connectivity
This project is making a number of improvements including around the rear of Lintonville Terrace, Woodhorn Road and the adjacent vacant plot on Portland Park as well as the Memorial Garden beside Wansbeck Square to make the town centre a more welcoming, safe and accessible part of town.
Town Centre Highway Infrastructure
Highway and routeway improvements to improve connectivity through the town centre.
Wansbeck Square Strategic Site
Delivery of the new Wansbeck Square gateway is now set to start construction in early 2026.
