Joint venture unveils business hub blueprint

Plans have been unveiled to create a “large-scale” business hub.

Arlington Real Estate & Homes England are working on a blueprint to create up to one million sq ft of industrial space at West Hartford, near Cramlington, Northumberland.

Bosses say the scheme “will support the North East Combined Authority’s economic development strategy and help attract jobs and investment to the region”.

Based close to Port of Blyth and the ORE Catapult testing base, they add it will present “a unique opportunity for investors in the marine, offshore and renewable energy sectors”.

Port chief executive Martin Lawlor has been named a non-executive director of the endeavour, with the trade hub a partner to the joint venture.

Dean Cook, managing director of County Durham-based Arlington Real Estate, said: “It was great to meet North East mayor Kim McGuinness to showcase our masterplan.

“We feel it is a real opportunity to attract investment into the area, and to help her plans to boost investment and job creation.

“West Hartford is currently the only site in the area that can accommodate large-scale development to attract both national and international businesses.”

Martin added: “Having worked extensively to enhance the economic impact of Port of Blyth, I look forward to bringing my experience to support the joint venture’s work in driving regional regeneration through this development.”

Welcoming the plans, mayor McGuinness said she was committed to making the “global North East economy even stronger”.

She added: “The potential of offshore wind to transform the North East economy is massive in terms of attracting investment and good jobs, and creating new training and rewarding careers for local workers.  

“I’m determined to harness this potential to create real opportunity for workers and businesses.”

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