Construction Commences on £16m Portland Park Cinema and Restaurant Project in Ashington

Robertson Construction North East has officially started building the Portland Park cinema and restaurant complex in Ashington, a key element of the town’s £36 million regeneration initiative.

The project, led by Advance Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council (NCC), forms a central part of the Regenerating Ashington Programme. This major investment aims to revitalise the town centre, boost the local economy, and create a more vibrant environment for residents, workers, and visitors.

Portland Park will feature a five-screen cinema, multiple restaurant units, and family-oriented leisure and entertainment facilities, establishing a high-quality leisure destination at the northern entrance to Ashington’s town centre.

A ground-breaking ceremony brought together senior figures from Advance Northumberland, NCC, and project partners to mark the start of construction on this landmark development.

Once completed, the scheme is expected to significantly increase footfall, extend the town’s evening and weekend economy, and provide a substantial uplift for local businesses.

The development is funded by the UK Government, Northumberland County Council, and Advance Northumberland. Robertson Construction North East has been appointed as the main contractor for the £16 million project, with REEL Cinemas set to operate the venue upon its completion.

This development represents a significant step in Ashington’s transformation, repositioning the town centre as a destination for leisure, dining, and social activities. It complements previous investments in transport connectivity, public spaces, and community facilities, all contributing to a more attractive and welcoming town centre.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Northumberland County Council, said: “This is another major milestone in the regeneration of Ashington. Portland Park will provide a fantastic new leisure offer for residents and visitors, helping to strengthen the town centre and boost local businesses.”

He added: “It represents a real vote of confidence in Ashington’s future and builds on the significant progress already being made across the town.”

Neil Kennedy, Regional Managing Director at Robertson Construction North East, commented: “Breaking ground at Portland Park marks an important step in bringing this ambitious vision for Ashington to life. Working closely with Advance Northumberland and Northumberland County Council, we will deliver a high-quality development that creates a vibrant new destination for residents and visitors, while supporting wider regeneration across the town centre.”

Neil continued: “As construction gets underway, delivering the project safely and with consideration for the local community will remain our priority, helping to create a destination that will have a lasting positive impact for Ashington.”

The Portland Park project is part of a coordinated programme of investment alongside other major regeneration efforts, such as the Wansbeck Square Gateway, aimed at revitalising Ashington’s town centre by improving connectivity, increasing visitor numbers, and enhancing the overall experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Steven Harrison, Chief Executive of Advance Northumberland, said: “Breaking ground at Portland Park is a hugely important moment for Ashington and for our wider regeneration ambitions. This development will bring new life to the town centre, creating a destination where people can come together to enjoy high quality leisure and entertainment.”

Steven added: “It reflects our commitment to delivering long-term investment that supports local communities, drives economic growth and creates places people are proud to be part of. With over 1 million passengers on the new Northumberland line in its first year and the new Net Zero Northumberland College Campus set to open in Autumn with 3,500 students, Ashington is set for exciting change.”

Sunil Suri, Director of REEL Cinemas, remarked: “Ashington has a rich cinema-going heritage, from the Wallaw and the Buffalo to the Regal and we want to honour that tradition at Portland Park.”

Sunil added: “The site marks a first for REEL, with a social and gaming space alongside the big screen, and dedicated party and karaoke rooms for families and friends. To be breaking ground in our 25th year makes the moment especially meaningful, and we are grateful to Advance Northumberland for their partnership in bringing the scheme forward – creating dozens of local jobs and a place with something for everyone, where every family can find a way to enjoy a visit that works for them.”

Sunil concluded: “We are proud to play our part in Ashington’s next chapter and cannot wait to welcome the community when we open our doors.”

Ashington Central County Councillor Caroline Ball said: “It’s great to now see spades in the ground on this site. I know residents are keen to see the area developed and we look forward to it progressing as quickly as possible.”

John Johnston, Chair of Ashington Town Forum and Chief Executive of Bernicia, added: “The work going on across Ashington will bring benefits to the whole town and it’s exciting to see work well underway at Portland Park.”