New culture hub plans a ‘sticking plaster’ to cover issues in town
have been raised that plans for a new “cultural hub” in Blyth could have a negative impact on the town’s voluntary organisations.
Northumberland County Council unveiled plans for the Culture Hub on Blyth Market Place last year.
The “flagship” venue will include a three-screen cinema, a studio and multi-purpose space for a range of events, an area for creative activities and a cafe and bar.
The £15m scheme is being funded by the Government through the Future High Street Fund with additional cash from the council.
The local authority say it will be an “attraction for the whole community and visitors to enjoy”.
However, Coun Eileen Cartie has called for an impact assessment to be carried out looking at the effect the plans could have on existing organisations in the town.
The Labour councillor, who represents the Wensleydale ward on the county council, felt the money could be better spent elsewhere.
She said: “I am pleased money is pouring into Blyth but it would be better if it was spent on making life better for local people. Money could be spent improving our doctors’ services.
“Our town centre shops have nearly all gone – you can’t buy a pair a shoes any more in Blyth town centre, or a man’s suit, white goods or new furniture.
Surely the money could be spent on improving the town centre shopping and encouraging more new shops.
“Regarding the culture centre, the council have not carried out an impact assessment on the projects around them. There are many voluntary projects that have run for over 50 years plus could be wiped out leaving no or very little voluntary community projects in Blyth. This will also cause a ripple effect to the wider community projects across the other Blyth localities. We need this money to help make living in Blyth easier, more accessible and safe.
“If we had our police based right in the town centre, the town council and other essential services, better GP services and more dentist facilities this would help local people more.”
One of those organisations fearing the impact is the Briardale House Community Centre. It employs seven members of staff and supports around 300 people through a range of activities.
Manager Candice Randall outlined her fears around the Culture Hub. She said: “The revenue we get from room rental is the vast majority of our funding. If the hub’s rooms are at a low or no cost, it’s going to have a really negative impact. That’s my staff wages or gas and electric bills.”
Responding to the concerns raised, a spokesman for Northumberland County Council said: “As a council we want every organisation in Blyth to thrive. We have continually sought to work with and reassure culture partners in the town who may naturally be worried about how the new town centre offer will impact them.
“To inform the plans, we undertook an indepth consultation with local people and businesses in Blyth. Through widespread engagement, local people identified a desire for a cinema and cultural facility in the town centre.
“The funding secured had to be focused on initiatives within the core town centre which repurpose and regenerate the area by introducing new and different uses to the existing retail offer. The funding bid was supported by the Blyth Town Forum and subsequent consultations and surveys have been overwhelmingly positive.
“There were no objections from either members of the public or organisations following the planning process.”