Cramlington project will not be abandoned; Pledge from councillor as recession bites.

Byline: Peter Taylor

THE multi-million pound redevelopment of a town centre has been put on hold because of the recession - but a council boss has pledged it will still go ahead.

Councillors in Blyth Valley will be told this week that the much-heralded redevelopment of Cramlington town centre has hit snags.

A report to go before the town centre working group this week from council executive director Dennis Earl says that the first planning application from developers Hammerson was due to be submitted late last year along with a strategy or concept statement.

It adds: "Unfortunately the economic downturn has impacted adversely on these plans. Although the owners are adamant that they are still committed to the redevelopment of the centre we do not know when the first planning application will now be submitted."

Hammerson bought the Manor Walks Shopping Centre and the neighbouring Westmorland Retail Park in 2006 year as part of a pounds 425m portfolio which included four other UK centres and retail parks.

Proposals for the redevelopment - which would form part of a pounds 200m redevelopment of the portfolio by Hammerson over the next five years - were first unveiled the following year. A new food supermarket next to the Focus DIY store, redevelopment of the Asda store, a new roundabout off Westmorland Way and car park refurbishment were proposed in phase one.

It was said that the fresh lease of life for town centre could see a cinema being built plus bowling, new restaurants and cafes and a public art scheme.

Councillors and developers are hoping to bring in big-name shops for Cramlington town centre, which has 119 occupiers including anchor tenants Asda, Argos, Boots, Sainsbury and Next.

Chief Executive of Blyth Valley Council, Geoff Paul, said that Hammerson was still committed to the scheme.

He said: "It is inevitable that the current recession will impact upon the substantial plans for Cramlington Town centre. It is great news however for the people of Cramlington and Northumberland that the developers and owners of the town centre, Hammerson PLC, are committed to delivering a modern retail and leisure offer.

"Detailed discussions continue to take place with Hammerson and it is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted within the next couple of months. Unlike many other similar schemes across the country that have been abandoned I am confident that the town centre redevelopment will take place in Cramlington."

CAPTION(S):

FUTURE IS STILL BRIGHT The Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington will still be redeveloped.