Construction costs for a planned high-tech education facility in Blyth have risen by more than £5 million. The Energy Central Institute is described as “transformational” but is now expected to cost almost £25 million.
The development is the second phase of the Energy Central Campus, following the Energy Central Hub at the Port of Blyth that opened last year. It will provide higher-level skills and education to support growth in the clean energy sector in Blyth.
Northumberland County Council’s cabinet unanimously agreed to a range of decisions on Tuesday to ensure the project is delivered. A report presented to members stated that costs had risen from £19.1 million to £24.9 million since the outline business case was approved last year.
The increase was put down to tender returns being higher than estimated, as well as inflation. To tackle this, money from the Future High Street Fund that had been earmarked for a hotel will be re-prioritised for the ECI following issues in finding an operator interested in investing.
Despite this, cabinet members insisted that the scheme would be a positive boost for Blyth. The institute will be built on the site of the former Keel Row shopping centre, which was acquired and shut down by the council amid dwindling footfall.
Demolition work began in September, with construction anticipated to start in June.
Investing in the future
The council’s deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth said: “This is intended to make sure young people from across the county – particularly in Blyth, Ashington, Bedlington and Cramlington – have the opportunity to upskill and access the jobs in the Port of Blyth like QTS and others that will come in.”
Energy businesses, research centre Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and North East universities such as Durham and Newcastle will all work with the site to develop “higher level skills and technological innovation”. It is expected to support around 260 learners every year.
Portfolio holder for education Coun Guy Renner-Thompson added: “The Energy Central Campus is looked at nationally as an exemplar of what you can do in a post-industrial town.
“People used to be very down-trodden about Blyth, and said bad things about it. This is the sort of work that the council has been doing to improve the opportunities of people in Blyth and the surrounding area.
“It will be open to young people across the whole of the county. This is really important for the region.”
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