Plans in for Arlington and Homes England’s 1m sq ft Northumberland park
If approved, the £300m West Hartford Park will deliver manufacturing and logistics space on the edge of Cramlington, expanding the deep-sea port of Blyth.
An application has been lodged for the 126-acre scheme, on land earmarked for a strategic employment site.
The masterplan sets out plans for units ranging from 175,000 sq ft to 530,000 sq ft, alongside office space, retail, and education and R&D facilities.
The project team includes architect FaulknerBrowns, planning agent DPP, landscape designer Colour, and surveyor WSP.
The development sits adjacent to an established cluster of industrial, logistics, and innovation businesses, and aims to set a new regional benchmark for environment-led employment development with more than 35% of the site dedicated to green space.
The development would form a key part of the Energy Central Partnership, which positions South East Northumberland as a national hub for offshore and renewable energy, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing, while also supporting the recently announced AI Growth Zones.
The Port of Blyth, home to the ORE Catapult’s world-leading testing facilities, is working closely with Arlington Real Estate and Homes England to maximise economic impact and attract major national and international investors.
Occupier interest is already strong, with large-scale tenants making enquiries before the scheme’s marketing campaign – scheduled for early next year – has launched.
Units will have significant power capacity and connectivity, and will be available on both freehold or leasehold terms, and can be tailored to occupier needs.
Homes England and Arlington formed a joint venture to work on this project back in February 2024, and since then they have also engaged with the North East Combined Authority, which has made the development part of its economic development strategy with the aim of attracting both jobs and investment into the area.
Dean Cook, managing director of Arlington Real Estate, said: “Submitting the planning application marks an important milestone in unlocking the full potential of West Hartford Park.
“This is the only site in the region capable of delivering development at this scale, in a location that has the power, infrastructure, and global connectivity that large occupiers require.
“Collaboration with the Port of Blyth means this project will directly support the growth of the offshore and renewable energy sector, as well as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and AI sectors, bringing jobs, investment and long-term economic value to Northumberland and the wider North East.
“There is already strong interest from major national and international businesses, and we believe West Hartford Park will become a significant commercial location not only for the region, but for the UK.”
Cllr Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council and cabinet member for business, growth and regeneration, said: “This is very welcome news for our largest remaining employment site in the current local plan.
“Making maximum use of the West Hartford site is incredibly important to our ongoing drive to bring further investment and job opportunities into Northumberland.”
Martin Lawlor, chief executive of the Port of Blyth and a non-executive director of the JV, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to help develop West Hartford Park.
“Once approved, the site will not only provide important additional capacity for port-related development but will also be a catalyst for further economic growth across the region.”
