Member Article

Tolent Construction Ltd chosen for development of Bedlington Town Centre

Tolent Construction Ltd have been appointed as main contractor for the proposed re development of Bedlington Town Centre. Arch and its successor company Advance Northumberland will be leading the delivery of the development which will regenerate the derelict town centre provide the people of the local community greater choice by improving the retail opportunities.

Richard Wearmonth Chair of Arch said:

“We are committed to delivering this exciting scheme proving local jobs, new opportunities, retail andservices. There’s a lot of interest from retailers in the new development and we’re confident that the new additions to our town centre will make it an even more attractive place to shop locally”.

Since Arch secured the planning permission last month, Tolent will now commence an enabling works package later this month with the aim of having it completed by the end of the year. The main construction activities will then start in the new year. The scheme will see a number of new high street retail brands and a new supermarket. Due to this, the town centre will create over 180 job opportunities and a further 70 construction jobs during the build phase. Retail operators will not be confirmed until later on in the year.

David Thompson, Regional Director at Tolent Construction added:

“We are obviously very pleased to be been awarded the project and continue our existing working relationship with Arch. The scheme will be of significant importance to the regeneration of the town centre and will provide further opportunities to the local supply chain for the delivery of the project.”

Cllr Russ Wallace commented on behalf of Bedlington Independent County Councillors Bill Crosby and Malcolm Robison:

“We are delighted that Tolent Construction have been confirmed as the main contractor and wish them every success. The Market Place is the centre of our town and its development is crucial to the future of Bedlington. After a period of neglect and continuing uncertainty, the start of the building phase will begin the transformation of the eyesore that is currently our town centre into what we are confident will be a thriving and successful retail development. It is what the people of Bedlington have been waiting for and richly deserve.”

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