Leaders unite to shape Amble’s future

A Northumberland coastal town is taking steps to shape its future through collaborative planning and investment discussions aimed at enhancing community facilities and connectivity.

Northumberland County Council, Amble Town Council and Amble Development Trust have begun work on a Town Investment Plan, starting with a feasibility study to explore opportunities and develop proposals for the town.

The initiative follows discussions between community and council leaders focused on long-term improvements across Amble, including potential developments in sports, leisure, culture and infrastructure.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Northumberland Council Leader, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to get together and discuss these vital next steps for the town.

“It is by working together that we understand the needs of residents and businesses, and further outlines our joint commitment, to improving Amble and surrounding areas.

“We have a strong track record of working together over the years with our partners in Amble – the Seafood Town project and Amble Bord Waalk projects which boosted the town. 

“We are now looking to build on this with a new pipeline of projects to improve the town together.

“Our commitment to the Town Investment Plan, I hope, gives reassurance to residents that securing investment in Amble is a top priority and together we can make a strong case for the next wave of improvements to the town.”

Alongside this, the County Council is investing more than £47 million in education facilities across the Coquet Partnership. 

This includes a new sports hall and football pitches at James Calvert Spence College, which will also be accessible to the wider community.

Proposals for a separate new facility on the site of the college’s former sports hall were ruled out due to conflicts with existing plans for the school.

The developing investment plan will involve ongoing engagement with public, private and community stakeholders, as partners work together to identify priorities and unlock future opportunities for the town.

Councillor Luke McTaggart, mayor of Amble Town Council, added: “Whilst we are disappointed at the outcome of the Asset Transfer for the Sports Hall, I am pleased that NCC have listened to Amble’s concerns and needs. 

“Work will now begin on a Town Plan, that NCC have offered to provide some feasibility funding for to support the development of the plan, and to explore ideas for community-led sport, leisure & cultural activities that the Sports Hall project sought to deliver. 

“It’s important we work on this at pace and secure more tangible commitments very soon.” 

Julia Aston, director of Amble Development Trust, added: “We were extremely disappointed at the outcome of the Community Asset Transfer however looking to the future we will be working with NCC and ATC to build an economic plan for the town, investigating projects that will hopefully fulfil community requirements. 

“We hope this process will be developed at pace to ensure momentum is not lost.”

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