Work on South Beach scheme to start later this year

Construction of a retail and leisure scheme at Blyth’s South Beach is set to start on site later this year after being backed by Northumberland County Council.Permission has been secured by Blagdon Estate for a two-storey development on Links Road, which is anticipated to create about 85 jobs and a host of construction roles.Designed by Newcastle-based IDPartnership, the scheme will transform derelict buildings at Links House Farm into a gateway to South Beach.The 16,000 sq ft first phase will incorporate several ground floor retail units and a first floor space, which the developer says could accommodate a range of leisure businesses, such as a gym or restaurant.It will be anchored by a 3,750 sq ft Co-op convenience store.The planning consent follows the announcement that Northumberland County Council’s £40m regeneration of Blyth town centre could start next year, which is set to include a revitalised Blyth Marketplace and Bridge Street.Property consultancy @retail has been appointed by Blagdon Estate as letting agent for the scheme.