Input invited on Energy Central Institute proposals
Consultation is now open on the skills and innovation facility lined up to replace the Keel Row shopping centre site in Blyth town centre.
The proposals can be viewed online at Northumberland County Council’s consultation page, which can be viewed here. The consultation process runs until Thursday 21 November.
NCC’s professional team on the project includes WSP, GSS Architecture and planner DPP.
The Energy Central Institute will be operated by Energy Central Campus Ltd, a partnership between the Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, in conjunction with leading business and University partners.
Following the development of a learning hub at the Qusyside, this is the second part of the Energy Central campus, within the £95m Energising Blyth regeneration programme which aims to boost Blyth through growing it as a key energy sector town. Future High Streets Fund and Town Deal backing were secured to underpin the ambition.
The programme is delivered by Northumberland County Council with funding support from central government, NCC and North East Combined Authority.
The overarching goal is to create the pipeline of talent required for the expanding clean energy sector, at the same time, inspiring, training and delivering pathways to employment for the local community.
As mapped out, the ECI will be located on the site of the former Keel Row centre, which shut down in February.
Designs have been developed over the course of this year, with the aim being to start construction in 2025 and reach completion in 2027.
As can be seen in the consultation documents, the proposed building as set out would have an atrium connecting Market Place to the Keel Row site, with a public-facing cafe and tiered seating for informal presentations. Plans also include a 100-seat presentation theatre. co-working office space and research and teaching labs.
Existing Keel Row parking would be retained.
NCC intends the ECI will create a focal point for collaboration between Energy Central Campus, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, energy businesses and North East universities as the council looks to position the area as a key part of the UK renewable energy sector’s growth.
It will focus on supporting growth in:
- Renewable energy and engineering
- Electrification and battery technologies
- Power, electronics, machines and drives
- Digitisation, data and digital technologies
- Sector leadership and management development
The project will equip young people and adults with the skills needed to take up careers in the sector and enable companies in the region to grow.
Cllr Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for supporting business and opportunities at NCC, said: “It’s an exciting time for Blyth, with major improvement works taking place in the town centre, alongside continued investment in the renewable energy sector.
“To maximise the growth of the renewable energy boom it’s vital we have local people with the right skills who can step into these roles. The ECI will be a cutting edge centre and we want to create that excitement around the plans as we move forward.”
Andrew Esson, head of future skills at the ORE Catapult, said: “The Energy Central Institute (ECI) is the second phase of the Energy Central Campus development, which is set to provide transformational skills and innovation development to support the growth of the clean energy sector in Blyth and the wider North East.
“A key focus moving forward will be to provide a seamless partnership between offshore wind industry stakeholders and leading academic universities to develop opportunities for people in across the North East to transition into what is set be a sector of major growth in the years ahead.”
