Breaking Ground to Power Tomorrow: Energy Central Institute Begins £25m Build

Today, Energy Central Campus (ECC) has reached a major milestone with the official groundbreaking of the £25m Energy Central Institute (ECI) in Blyth town centre.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of the second phase of ECC, building on its mission to develop the skills and talent needed to support the clean energy sector. The Institute is being constructed adjacent to the Market Place and the new Market Pavilion by Kier and project managed by Advance Northumberland.

Opening in late 2027, the ECI will bring higher-level education to Blyth for the first time, focusing on skills development, research and technological innovation. The facility will create a new hub for education and collaboration in the heart of Blyth. Martin Lawlor OBE, Chair of Energy Central Campus and CEO at Port of Blyth, Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, and Ian Lavery, MP for Blyth and Ashington, were among the first to put spades in the ground at the ceremony, joined by Blyth’s future energy talent – the learners set to benefit from the new facility.

The STEM students represent the beginning of the talent pipeline, highlighting how ECC is inspiring young people to consider careers in the clean energy sector. Meanwhile, learners from Bede Academy and Northumberland Skills will be among the first to progress from the Energy Central Learning Hub (ECLH) into the ECI when it opens, creating a clear pathway from learning to careers in the energy sector.

The Institute builds on the success of the ECLH, the first phase of ECC, which has welcomed more than 7,000 learners since opening in 2024. Based at the Port of Blyth, the ECLH delivers STEM education and vocational training for young people and adults, helping them to develop the skills needed for careers in the clean energy sector.

The ECI will extend this pathway into higher education, research and clean energy careers, developing expertise at degree and PhD level. It will also create new opportunities for collaboration between ECC, energy businesses, the

Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Newcastle University and Durham University.

Martin Lawlor OBE, CEO of Port of Blyth and Chair of ECC, said:

“Today’s groundbreaking is an exciting milestone for ECC and Blyth. We have a wealth of opportunity on our doorstep, with businesses, projects and investment driving the growth of the clean energy sector across the region. ECC was established to ensure local people can access those opportunities, while giving businesses the skilled workforce they need to grow.

“The success of the ECLH has shown what can be achieved when industry, education and the community work together, and the ECI will take that ambition a step further. By creating a clear pathway from early STEM engagement through to degree and PhD level, right here in Blyth, we can help more people build the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities on their doorstep and build successful careers in the sector.”

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said:

“This is another momentous day in the continuing regeneration of Blyth.

“Across the town we are seeing change, with new industries, new housing, new leisure facilities and new ambition. This new Institute, in the heart of the town, will build on that, cultivating fresh skills and talent and securing the workforce of tomorrow.

“Key to this is collaboration and we have strong partners on board to ensure the ECI will be a great success. We look forward to yet another landmark building going up over the coming months.”

Victoria Gilbert, Director of Operations at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, said:

“It’s fantastic to see Energy Central Campus reach today’s milestone, and I know it has only come about due to the commitment of various people and partners who have worked tirelessly to get to this point.

“At ORE Catapult we’re very proud to call Blyth our home, and we are continuing to invest in the future of our world class facility in the town. By working closely with our Energy Central partners we’re committed to playing our part to unlock opportunities for young people from Blyth and across the region to develop pathways to future careers in driving innovation within the offshore wind sector.”

Shaid Mahmood, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Skills) at Durham University said: “Energy Central Institute extends the pathway begun through the Energy Central Learning Hub, expanding opportunities for higher-level skills and education in Blyth and North East England. Today marks a significant step forward, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners towards the ECI opening its doors next year, and beyond.”

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Business, Partnerships and Place at Newcastle University said: “Today marks an important milestone for Blyth and the wider North East. The Energy Central Institute will bring higher-level education, research and innovation together at the heart of the town, creating new opportunities for people to develop the advanced skills needed for the clean energy sector.

“At Newcastle University, we are immensely proud to be part of Energy Central Campus and we look forward to building on this important work alongside our partners.”

The ECI is part of the Energising Blyth £95 million 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 The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, with support from other partners.