WSP has been supporting the development of the Energy Central Institute (ECI) in Blyth since February 2024, following appointment to help progress the scheme through RIBA design stages and towards planning. Now approved, the development marks a key milestone in Blyth’s ambition to lead clean growth, skills and innovation in the North East.
The ECI is phase two of the Energy Central Campus project and will offer a future-ready environment for higher-level skills development and industry collaboration between energy businesses, OREC, FE Colleges and local universities. It forms part of the town’s wider investment plan to become a UK beacon for clean energy and inclusive economic growth.
WSP will act as Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Principal Designer CDM, and provide Civil & Structural and M&E engineering services. The project reflects WSP’s proven expertise in designing and delivering sustainable, net zero operational educational and research facilities.
The scheme is being delivered in collaboration with GSSArchitecture as lead architect, DPP as planning consultant, and Colour as landscape architect, supported by a wider team including transport, acoustic, and fire engineering specialists.
Stephen Graham, Technical Director at WSP, said: “This project represents far more than a new building — it’s a signal of Blyth’s ambition to lead in clean energy, skills development, and innovation. We’re proud to support a scheme that invests in people, future industry, and the vibrancy of the town itself. By combining our expertise in placemaking and net zero delivery, we’re helping to create a flexible and inclusive facility that will have a lasting impact on the local community and economy.”
Simon Rennison-Rae, Partner, GSSArchitecture: “It’s amazing news that Blyth ECI 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.”
Designed by local practice GSSArchitecture, the ECI will feature a flexible theatre, teaching and research spaces, offices, a community café, and a double-height atrium. The layout is designed to maximise collaboration between research and commercial ventures while achieving low carbon in operation.
The project is part of the Energising Blyth £95m regeneration programme to grow, renew and connect the town. It is being delivered by Northumberland County Council, funded by the UK Government, Northumberland County Council and North East Combined Authority, with support from other partners.
The Energy Central Institute is part of Energy Central Campus, a flagship project for Energy Central which is a strategic partnership between Northumberland County Council, Port of Blyth, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Advance Northumberland.
The Energy Central project is part of the Energising Blyth programme. Phase one, the Energy Central Learning Hub at South Harbour, Port of Blyth features a range of state-of-the-art industrial training, education and STEM-related skills facilities.
Phase two, The ECI to be located in the town centre will focus on higher level skills, research and innovation in support of clean energy sector growth. Construction is expected to commence later this year with the Centre due to open in 2027.
Energy Central Learning Hub and Energy Central Institute will be operated by ECC Ltd.
ENDS
