Construction work has officially started on the Portland Park cinema and restaurant development in Ashington, marking a major milestone in the town's wider £36 million regeneration programme.

The scheme, led by Advance Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council (NCC), forms part of the wider Regenerating Ashington Programme aimed at revitalising the town centre, boosting the local economy and enhancing leisure and community facilities.

The Portland Park development will create a new leisure destination at the northern gateway to the town centre, featuring a five-screen cinema, restaurant units and family-focused entertainment space.

A ground-breaking ceremony was attended by representatives from Advance Northumberland, Northumberland County Council and project delivery partners to celebrate the launch of construction works.

Once completed, the development is expected to increase town centre footfall, strengthen Ashington's evening and weekend economy and provide additional support for local businesses.

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The project is being funded through a combination of UK Government investment, Northumberland County Council funding and support from Advance Northumberland.

Robertson Construction North East has been appointed as the main contractor for the £16 million scheme, while REEL Cinemas will operate the cinema venue following completion.

The Portland Park project is one of several regeneration initiatives currently under way in Ashington, alongside schemes including the Wansbeck Square Gateway project, all designed to improve connectivity, public spaces and town centre activity.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Northumberland County Council, said: "This is another major milestone in the regeneration of Ashington. Portland Park will provide a fantastic new leisure offer for residents and visitors, helping to strengthen the town centre and boost local businesses.

"It represents a real vote of confidence in Ashington's future and builds on the significant progress already being made across the town."

Neil Kennedy, Regional Managing Director at Robertson Construction North East, said: "Breaking ground at Portland Park marks an important step in bringing this ambitious vision for Ashington to life. Working closely with Advance Northumberland and Northumberland County Council, we will deliver a high-quality development that creates a vibrant new destination for residents and visitors, while supporting wider regeneration across the town centre.

"As construction gets underway, delivering the project safely and with consideration for the local community will remain our priority, helping to create a destination that will have a lasting positive impact for Ashington."

Local leaders said the combined regeneration projects are intended to reposition Ashington as a stronger destination for leisure, dining and social activity, while creating a more welcoming town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.