Prime Highlights: 

• Planning submitted for West Hartford Park, a 126-acre industrial and commercial project near Cramlington. 

• The development is expected to create around 2,000 jobs and support growth in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and AI sectors. 

Key Facts: 

• The project could deliver over one million square feet of employment space. 

• Estimated to generate more than £400 million in investment for the North East economy. 

Background: 

A major planning application has been lodged for West Hartford Park, a 126-acre industrial and commercial development near Cramlington. The project, submitted jointly by Arlington Real Estate and Homes England, could deliver more than one million square feet of employment space and create approximately 2,000 jobs in Northumberland. 

Located close to the Port of Blyth, the development is designed to support the port’s expansion and forms a key part of the Energy Central Partnership, aimed at making South East Northumberland a hub for offshore and renewable energy, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, and AI-driven industries. 

The Port of Blyth, home to ORE Catapult’s world-class testing facilities, is collaborating with the developers to attract major occupiers from both the UK and overseas. Even though the marketing campaign hasn’t started yet, several large industrial and logistics companies have already shown interest in the project. 

If approved, West Hartford Park could bring major economic benefits, with over £400 million in investment and thousands of high-quality jobs, while supporting local supply chains and long-term growth in the region. 

Dean Cook, Managing Director of Arlington Real Estate, said the planning submission is an important step in unlocking the site’s potential, providing the power, infrastructure, and connectivity needed by major businesses. 

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, called the site the county’s most significant remaining employment area, highlighting its ability to attract investment and create jobs. 

Martin Lawlor OBE, Chief Executive of the Port of Blyth, added that the partnership will help bring forward much-needed port development and act as a driver for wider economic growth in the region. 

The planning submission signals the start of the next phase for West Hartford Park, which is set to play a central role in strengthening Northumberland’s position in the UK’s energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.