Major step forward for Prudhoe's multi-million pound Borderlands deal

James Robinson
·3-min read
Coun Gordon Stewart on Front Street in Prudhoe
-Credit: (Image: Copyright Unknown)


Prudhoe is set to benefit from fresh investment after reaching a major step in unlocking Borderlands funding.

The town's "place plan" has now been approved ahead of a cash boost worth up to £3 million. The plan has identified a number of projects to improve the town including proposals to revamp the dilapidated East Centre.

The former Victorian school will be revitalised to create a new youth and community centre, with training and business units incorporated within the design. Also featured are plans to boost Front Street and fill vacant shops.

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Coun Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council said: “This is a great milestone to reach for Prudhoe and would not have been possible without the valuable involvement of the local community in helping the local Place Partnership Group to shape the future of their town.

“This new plan ensures that Prudhoe is set to benefit from further investment alongside the Council’s recent commitment to the town including the £1.6m investment in leisure facilities at Prudhoe Waterworld.”

Coun Gordon Stewart, county councillor for Prudhoe South, added: “There has been some excellent thinking already to develop the Place Plan based on community input.

“This new Plan helps us to put Prudhoe on the map and means we can work with confidence in collaboration with Prudhoe Community Partnership, Prudhoe Town Council and all stakeholders in the town to deliver even more improvements to our town in future years."

The place plan was delivered by the Prudhoe Place Partnership group, made up of private, public and community partners within the town. A public consultation also gathered support from over 400 people - 40% of those who responded were aged under 19.

Paul Murray, Chair of the Place Partnership Group and Vice Chair of the Prudhoe Community Partnership, said: “It’s great to hear about the sign off for our collective plan for investment in the town.

“I’d like to thank all partners and community members who have helped to shape the plan. We're looking forward to developing the project proposals to secure further investment to boost our town.”

The Borderlands deal is worth up to £21 million for Northumberland. Seven towns are set to benefit from the deal's Place Programme within the county: Alnwick, Bedlington, Bellingham, Haltwhistle, Prudhoe, Rothbury and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

The plans approval was also welcomed by the town's Labour county councillor, Angie Scott.

Prudhoe North councillor Angie Scott on the towns Front Street. Photo: Northumberland Labour. Free to reuse for all LDR partners.
Prudhoe North councillor Angie Scott on the towns Front Street. Photo: Northumberland Labour. Free to reuse for all LDR partners. -Credit:Copyright Unknown

The Prudhoe North councillor said: "This £3 million investment is a fantastic boost for Prudhoe. The Place Plan will enable us to revitalise Front Street, enhance community facilities, and breathe new life into our town’s heritage. This is an exciting step toward securing the future of Prudhoe and delivering real benefits for our residents and businesses."

The approval will come as a relief to residents after Coun Sanderson expressed concern for the future of the Borderlands funding last month. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he revealed he was concerned the new Labour Government would not stick to the funding pledges of its predecessors, adding any reduction in cash would be "appalling".

At the time, the Government declined to comment on the deal specifically. While the plan has now been approved, all the projects are still subject to further development work and public consultation prior to funding approvals being sought.

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