Planning approval has been granted for a new higher-level skills and innovation facility in Blyth.

The facility will be known as the Blyth Energy Central Campus Institute (ECCI). This is a key development for the town’s investment plan and will create a focal point for collaboration between energy businesses, OREC, and north east universities. Its aim will be to support young people and adults in the area develop higher level skills and support technological innovation to keep Blyth at the forefront of energy sector growth. The result will encourage both a growing workforce for surrounding businesses and support research and innovation in clean growth technology.

Leading the design of this development is GSSArchitecture, a local architectural practice. Given the nature of the project, our approach has focused on maximising opportunities for collaboration and flexibility, while integrating technologies that support Net Zero in operation. The space will include a double height atrium space, a café facility for the whole community, a flexible theatre, as well as learning spaces and office spaces. Permeability through offices and labs will promote integration between commercial ventures and research specialists. Increasing privacy and security will be offered towards the west side of the institute, for research and teaching facilities.

Blyth’s town investment plan sets out their strategy to become a clean growth beacon for the UK. Their vision is to invest in young people, to grow a skilled work force for the future, encouraging them to stay in the town through secured well-paid employment. This will be achieved through a transformative programme of investment in employment sites, skills infrastructure, innovation and business facilities, transport connectivity, culture and the renewal of the town centre, building on the Town Deal Board’s recent success in securing funding from the Future High Streets Fund, FHSF, NTCA and Northumberland County Council.

Simon Rennison-Rae, partner at GSSArchitecture, has commented, “It’s amazing news that Blyth ECCI has been approved at committee this week, well done to the whole team involved. The project shows the continued investment and ambition of Advance Northumberland and Northumberland County Council and is the next step in the wider Energising Blyth project. GSS have been involved in this project from its inception, and it builds upon our understanding of the clean energy, research, innovation and education sectors as well as the cross over between industry and academia and the benefits this can bring.”

WSP will serve as Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Principal Designer CDM, and provide Civil & Structural and M&E engineering services for the project. Ben McManus, Quantity Surveyor at WSP, has expressed, “The Blyth Energy Central Campus Institute will be a catalyst for skills development and innovation in the North East. Our team is proud to be contributing to a facility that not only supports the town’s net zero ambitions but also creates a flexible, future-ready space for learning, collaboration, and clean growth. Drawing on our experience delivering sustainable educational and research facilities, we’re excited to help bring this important project to life.”

We have extensive experience delivering Net Zero operational projects, many of which are educational or research facilities such as the award-winning Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre.