Park adds fresh impetus to town's renaissance

Mar 13 2007 By The Journal

A business park project, which could create up to 500 jobs, will add to the renaissance of a Northumberland town.

Investigative work has started on the 16-acre site in Prudhoe.

The Low Prudhoe project comes on the back of the recent announcement of £4.4m being ploughed in to a housing scheme and a transport interchange for the town.

There are also plans for a £30m investment in shops, which could create hundreds of jobs, and the potential for hi-tech business development on the site of Prudhoe Hospital when it eventually closes.

Coun Tony Reid, who represents Prudhoe on Northumberland County Council, said the town was in the midst of a renaissance and could radically change for the better in the next decade.

Assessment of site conditions and the likely environmental impact of the proposed Princess Way business park has begun, with the county council forecasting it could ultimately house firms employing up to 500 people.

Earlier this year it emerged the Government had given the green light to funding for a £4m extra care housing scheme for up to 46 elderly and disabled residents on Prudhoe 's West Wylam Estate. And work has started on a £400,000 bus and rail interchange aimed at integrating travel services in the town.

Coun Reid said: "Prudhoe is going through a bit of a renaissance with the new business park, the extra care housing scheme, a new shopping development and the prospect of re-development on the Prudhoe Hospital and Oaklands House sites in the future.

"Wherever you look in Prudhoe over the next five to 10 years there is the potential for quite radical changes. I believe these things will lead to a better and more prosperous town."

Fellow Prudhoe county councillor Glenn Simpson said: "This is good news."