Working with Advance Northumberland, the project delivers a contemporary cinema-led leisure destination at Portland Park, creating a new focal point at the northern gateway to Ashington town centre. The development forms a key part of the wider regeneration programme, which is improving connectivity, public realm and leisure facilities to create a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit.

The development includes a five-screen REEL Cinema, a dedicated family entertainment and competitive socialising space, two restaurant units, associated landscaping and 78 visitor parking spaces. Together, these uses will extend the town’s evening economy, encourage longer dwell times and provide a major new leisure destination for residents and visitors. Forecasts estimate between 125,000 and 157,000 cinema visits each year, making Portland Park a significant driver of footfall and economic activity.

Construction officially began in Spring 2026, with Robertson Construction North East appointed as the main contractor. Scheduled to open in Summer 2027, the project represents another major milestone in the long-term regeneration of Ashington, alongside the new railway station, public realm improvements and wider town centre investment.