Portland Park Cinema and Restaurants and Wansbeck Square Gateway are part of Regenerating Ashington, which is a £36m programme to grow, renew and connect the town, delivered by Northumberland County Council. It includes projects to improve the town centre, designed to create new facilities and improvements at either end of the high street that will attract the community and visitors, increasing vibrancy, footfall and spending.

Portland Park

This project is a key part of Advance Northumberland’s wider commitment to regeneration across the County, creating spaces that support local businesses, increase footfall and strengthen communities. In Ashington, this development will play a major role in shaping a more vibrant, welcoming town centre for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Advance Northumberland is leading the delivery of this landmark regeneration project, driving forward the vision for a revitalised town centre. Working alongside Robertson Construction North East, REEL Cinemas and the wider project team, we are bringing forward a new five-screen cinema and leisure complex. The completion of Portland Park will include a new six screen cinema, two restaurant units, and associated landscaping, and car parking.

The over arching project included, the Leisure Centre which opened in 2018, which included a 6 lane Pool, Gym, Sports Hall and Library and also the opening of a 20,000 sq ft Home Bargains which is now well established and proving popular.

Wansbeck Square

Advance Northumberland is also project managing the Wansbeck Square regeneration, with significant progress already underway. With demolition works now completed. Feedback is being be sought on the latest designs for the new Wansbeck Square Gateway which is set to begin construction in Spring 2026.