Blyth handed £500,000 energy boost

Jun 19 2009 by David Black, The Journal

EFFORTS to encourage further energy sector investment in a Northumberland coastal town have been boosted by a £500,000 environmental improvement project.

The facelift has been done around the flagship New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) on Blyth Quayside, which was set up six years ago.

The two-year scheme, done with Single Programme funding from regional development agency One North East, is seen as an important step in connecting the area to the town centre, and giving a positive impression to potential energy sector investors.

Work has included landscaping on the site, involving the transformation of the former wasteland on Ballast Hill, putting in security and CCTV systems, improved paving and the removing damaged staithes at High Quay.

There is now safer and improved pedestrian access and appropriate signage to identify the area.

Ray Browning, south east area regeneration manager at Northumberland County Council, said: “Blyth has seen a great deal of investment over previous years and the benefits of environmental and public realm improvements like this are clear.

“As Blyth is home to a centre of excellence and cutting edge facilities, it is vital that thought is given to the external environment, particularly when trying to encourage investors with high expectations to locate to the area.’’

David Cramond, director of capital development at One North East, said: “With NaREC leading the way in renewable energy technologies, Blyth is an attractive location for private energy investors from both the UK and abroad.

“This investment will help reinforce its stance on the world stage, securing the long term future of the town.’’

NaREC was established in 2002 as a centre of excellence for new and renewable technologies, and is dedicated to meeting today’s energy challenges by supporting research and development of innovative methods.