Work starts on £16m leisure development
Northumberland County CouncilConstruction work has begun at a £16m cinema and restaurant development.
The Portland Park project in Ashington, Northumberland, is the first stage of a wider £36m regeneration scheme aiming to create a new attraction in the town and will include a five-cinema theatre operated by Reel Cinemas.
Advance Northumberland chief executive Steven Harrison said the development would bring "new life to the town centre" and would help the area benefit from the recently opened Northumberland line.
Northumberland County Council's cabinet member for regeneration Richard Wearmouth called the work a "major milestone in the regeneration of Ashington".
"Portland Park will provide a fantastic new leisure offer for residents and visitors, helping to strengthen the town centre and boost local businesses," he said.
The cinema and restaurants are being funded by Advance Northumberland, central government and the council.
