Bates Colliery, Blyth, Northumberland

Project Description
Banks Property started work on the remediation of 30 acres of land on the site back in 2009, in preparation for a range of development works which have since followed.

These have included the construction of the new Morpeth Road Primary Academy School, the development of specialist accommodation for people with learning disabilities operated by Lifeways and a new residential development of 142 homes created by housebuilder Gleeson Homes.

An extension to the Port of Blyth has also been facilitated by the regeneration, allowing it to expand its renewable energy operations, while a new Lidl supermarket is open on adjacent land on Cowpen Road.

Throughout this on-going project Banks Property has worked well and closely with key partners, inlcuding Harworth Group Plc, Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) (as was now Homes England) and Northumberland County Council.

History
The project site was a former colliery site with a rail head, port sidings, a coal stocking area and post World War II housing.

Economic benefits
The regeneration of redundant brown field land created jobs. The construction phase of the new school and homes has created / will create new jobs too.

Social benefits
Public open space, as well as the contribution of land, to enable the construction of a brand new community primary school. Morpeth Road Primary Academy school opened in September 2011. It can accommodate up to 420 pupils.