Blyth gets energised
Plans for energy sector growth in the Northumberland town have had a boost, with the approval of the phase two of the Energy Central Campus.
An £11m higher-level skills and innovation facility will now be built on the site of the former Keel Row Shopping Centre, which had permission granted for its demolition last September.
WSP is the project manager and will act as quantity surveyor, principal designer, and will provide structural, civil, and M&E services.
The wider project team includes GSS Architecture, DPP on planning, and Colour as landscape architect.
A key part of the town’s £95m Energising Blyth investment plan, Energy Central Campus is a flagship project for Energy Central, a partnership between Northumberland County Council, its development arm Advance Northumberland, the Port of Blyth, and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s nearby research facility.
Phase one, the Energy Central Hub, was completed last year. Phase two, the Energy Central Institute, will include a flexible theatre space, research labs, offices, a double-height atrium, and a café, with an emphasis on collaborative areas.
Stephen Graham, technical director at WSP, said: “This project represents far more than a new building — it’s a signal of Blyth’s ambition to lead in clean energy, skills development, and innovation.
“We’re proud to support a scheme that invests in people, future industry, and the vibrancy of the town itself.
“By combining our expertise in placemaking and net zero delivery, we’re helping to create a flexible and inclusive facility that will have a lasting impact on the local community and economy.”
Simon Rennison-Rae, partner, GSS Architecture, added: “The project shows the continued investment and ambition of Advance Northumberland and Northumberland County Council and is the next step in the wider Energising Blyth project.”
