Local people are being encouraged to take a look at the final competition entries for the former Tesco site in Bedlington. The public exhibition will showcase concept plans that will kick-start the redevelopment of an important site in Bedlington town centre.

The exhibition of shortlisted designs will be on display; Tuesday 15th March, Thursday 17th March from 12pm -7pm and on Saturday 19th March from 10am – 2pm. The exhibition will be held in the former Tesco store, Market Place, Bedlington, NE22 5TN.

Arch, has led a design competition to help develop the ideas for what will be a commercially led scheme underpinned by private sector investment. Northern Architecture have administered the competition.

Two designs have been shortlisted that are felt to be of high quality, commercially viable and can be quickly converted into scheme delivery.

Following on from the exhibition the chosen lead architect will then develop the proposals towards a detailed planning application with further consultation on what will be a series of phases which have the support of the market.

Working together with Northumberland County Council, the Town and Parish Councils and the community, represented through the Bedlington Steering Group, Arch will develop a clear delivery plan, to help regenerate the site. It is envisaged several phases will move forward quickly, providing the market responds positively to the final proposals.  

Northumberland County Council’s Bedlington Town Champion, Dean Jackson, said: “There was a fantastic turnout at previous events which clearly showed the level of interest and passion that people have for the town. This next stage is set to provide fantastic opportunities and I hope people take this opportunity to come along to choose and comment on their preferred design for the site.”

Cllr Alyson Wallace said: “This design competition will both give momentum to our ambitions for Bedlington and ensure that local people have a strong say in the outcome. Choosing a lead designer in this way will enable us to get on with the job confident in the knowledge that the approach we’re taking has support in the community.”