Work to finally restart on transforming Bedlington Town Centre following collapse of Tolent

But one of the town’s county councillors has said residents no longer care what happens at the site after almost a decade of false starts and delays.

Advance Northumberland has been leading on the delivery of a “major” scheme that aims to “comprehensively” redevelop a brownfield site in Bedlington town centre.

However, work on the major market place development has been stalled since February after Tolent Construction went into administration.

Speaking at the time, Advance said: “Advance Northumberland and the county council remain committed to delivering the project as planned and new completion dates will be communicated as soon as possible."

Now, Advance has said it has taken over as the contractor, with Tolent’s former sub-contractor appointed to complete the first phase of the works. The Northumberland County Council-owned company has said it aims to complete phase one works in the summer, with Newcastle-based company Greggs set to move in during the early autumn.

But Coun Malcolm Robinson, who represents the Bedlington West ward on the county council, remained far from happy with the situation.

He said: “This has been going on for nine years.

"Yes, Covid did hurt because all the retailers stopped investing, but taking those two years out and you’re still looking at seven years.

“I can only imagine what would have happened if it was Morpeth or Hexham. I think people in the town have more or less given up.

“It has just dragged on for too long. There have been too many false dawns and promises unfulfilled.”

Advance is also seeking a new main contractor to complete phase two of the project, which includes three further retail units as well as six apartments for rent. A footpath will also link the Market Place to a new car park.

It is hoped work will get under way in autumn, with a target completion date of spring 2024.

The overarching scheme is aimed at repositioning Bedlington as a “retail destination”, by improving amenities while also giving people greater choice.

A new Aldi supermarket has already opened in the town.

Advance Northumberland has been contacted for a response to Coun Robinson’s comments.