Robertson Construction North East has been appointed by Advance Northumberland to deliver a major new five-screen cinema and leisure complex at Portland Park, Ashington, following confirmation by Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet.
The landmark design-and-build project forms a key part of the £36m transformation of Ashington town centre. Planning consent was granted last year, with construction set to begin shortly.
The development will feature a five-screen cinema alongside two restaurant units and a family-focused “competitive socialising” attraction. The scheme is aimed at increasing footfall and dwell time in the town centre while significantly enhancing Ashington’s evening and weekend leisure offer.
Independent, family-owned operator REEL Cinemas will run the cinema. Once open, it will be the only first‑run cinema serving the area between Edinburgh and Blyth and is forecast to attract between 125,000 and 157,000 visits annually.
Neil Kennedy, Regional Managing Director at Robertson Construction North East, said: “We have been chosen to play an important role in the ongoing regeneration of Ashington, creating a high‑quality development that will boost vibrancy, footfall, and local spending. Projects like this have the potential to transform a community, and we look forward to delivering meaningful local benefits throughout the process that contribute to the town’s long‑term growth.”
The project has been procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework and is being developed by Advance Northumberland. Funding has been secured from the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Northumberland County Council, and Advance Northumberland.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Business, Growth and Regeneration at Northumberland County Council, said: “The cinema and leisure complex represents a significant investment in Portland Park, strengthening the town centre as a destination for entertainment, dining and socialising.
“It’s a real vote of confidence for Ashington, building on wider regeneration in the area, including a new rail station and passenger rail line, as well as a new college.”
Ashington Central County Councillor, Caroline Ball, added: “It’s good news to see that spades will be going into the ground shortly, alongside a variety of other works progressing in the town.”