The so-called Ashington Hole will finally be filled after eight years of uncertainty with the news plans for a cinema and two restaurants have been approved. The site on Portland Park has stood empty since 2017 when plans for a replacement council headquarters were scrapped by the then-new Conservative administration. Now, after almost a decade of frustration, the prominent town centre site is set to get a new lease of life.
The cinema will be operated by Reel Cinema, with the project set to be carried out by Northumberland County Council's development company Advance. Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the local authority's strategic planning committee on April 15, 2025, Hannah Thompson of DPP planning explained the benefits of the scheme.
She said: "This will boost footfall and spending for the town centre. That spending will allow neighbouring businesses to grow and support the local economy." Coun Caroline Ball, who represents the Ashington Central ward, proposed approval of the plans. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I would like to welcome Reel Cinema to Ashington - and the two restaurants. I'm so pleased we will have somewhere to go and eat with a knife and fork, and not just fast food."
Ball continued, "Ashington is a fantastic place and the people deserve so much. Do I think this is ambitious enough? No - I never will think it's enough for my town, but it is a vast improvement on what was there. Let's make sure this is the start of redevelopment. Anyone else who wants to invest in Ashington, please do - we need a hotel, we need a conference centre."
Berwick councillor Georgina Hill added her support, saying, "I'm from the other side of the county and I'm sick of hearing about the Ashington Hole. It's great that we're doing this, it is a positive development and it is great news for the people of Ashington." The plans were approved unanimously.
The project brings together significant funding from the UK Government, the county council, and Advance Northumberland. A previous planning application for this site was approved in 2020; however, this permission had since expired. Advance Northumberland stated that this new application included significant improvements over the previous one.
As the approval marks a pivotal moment for Ashington, local residents and stakeholders are hopeful that this development will not only revive a long-neglected area but also stimulate the local economy. The presence of a cinema and restaurants is expected to attract visitors and encourage spending in the town centre, which has faced challenges in recent years.
Local businesses are already gearing up for the potential influx of customers. The new establishments are seen as a catalyst for further investment in the area, with many hoping that this will lead to additional projects such as hotels and conference centres, as highlighted by Coun Ball.
In the years since the Ashington Hole was created, the community has expressed frustration over the lack of progress. The site, once envisioned as a hub for local governance and community activity, became a symbol of stagnation. Now, with the new plans in motion, there is a renewed sense of optimism among residents.
Hannah Thompson's comments about boosting footfall and spending resonate with many who have seen the decline of local businesses due to the absence of such facilities. The hope is that the cinema and restaurants will not only provide entertainment and dining options but also create jobs and support the local economy.
As the project moves forward, the collaboration between the local council and Advance Northumberland is expected to be pivotal. Their commitment to improving Ashington is evident, and the successful completion of this project could pave the way for future developments in the area.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the progress of the Ashington Hole project, with many looking forward to the day when they can enjoy a night out at the cinema or dine at one of the new restaurants. The community's involvement and support will be crucial in ensuring the success of this revitalization effort.
In conclusion, the approval of the cinema and restaurants at the Ashington Hole marks a significant turning point for the town. After years of waiting, the community is ready to embrace the changes and look forward to a more vibrant future.
