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Member News: Blyth scheme receives green light

A multi-million pound development to create a new Morrisons store in the heart of Blyth has received the go-ahead.

The scheme which is set to replace the existing Morrisons unit with a new larger store, will provide a much-needed retail boost for the town, securing 160 existing jobs and creating the potential for up to 140 more.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has confirmed a compulsory purchase order allowing Northumberland County Council to complete its assembly of land for the scheme.

Sanderson Weatherall LLP have been acting on behalf of Northumberland County Council to acquire the land and buildings needed for the development.

This development will provide an attractive, well-designed store at the heart of Blyth.

Planning permission was gained in November 2010 to cover the demolition of the existing store and the creation of the new unit. The compulsory purchase order will bring into public ownership the land that is required to complete the scheme.

Over the last two years, Northumberland County Council has worked alongside Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC and have held public consultation events with local residents and businesses to inform them of the proposals.

Construction is expected to start on site January 2012, with the new foodstore acting as an anchor for the rest of the town centre to help attract new investors and stores to the area.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sanderson Weatherall .