A quayside office development in Northumberland is nearing its first anniversary after it reached completion in March 2015, transforming a vacant plot into first-class contemporary managed offices, at the centre of the North East’s world-leading base for energy and research.

Blyth Workspace, which was supported by a loan from the North East Investment Fund, is now home to a range of North East companies which have moved into the 21,000 square feet of new office space.

Jeremy Middleton, Chair of the North East Local Economic Partnership (LEP) Investment Panel, said: “A £2.6m loan from the North East Investment Fund helped the development of Blyth Workspace get off the ground in 2013. Now the development is not only complete but is nearing its first anniversary as a centre for growing businesses in Northumberland.”

Companies based at Blyth Workspace benefit from the development’s proximity to the Port of Blyth and Narec, the National Renewable Energy Centre.

Cllr Dave Ledger, Arch Chair and Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Working with the North East LEP and gaining support from the Investment Fund was pivotal in the success of Blyth Workspace. A year on from completion we’re in a fantastic position, seeing the various businesses located here flourishing and growing.”

Blyth Workspace was developed by Arch, the Northumberland development company. The facilities at the site include super-fast broadband, rapid electric car charging points and five years’ free business rates, as the site is located within the North East’s Enterprise Zone.

Jeremy Middleton added: “The development of Blyth Workspace has rejuvenated the site, which was previously vacant. It now provides a high quality base for business and has immense potential to enhance the area’s reputation as a centre of excellence for energy and research.”

More details on the North East Investment Fund and how to apply can be found here.