Milestone reached for Blyth clean energy campus 

Work has started on the £25 million Energy Central Institute (ECI) at Blyth Energy Central Campus (ECC) following a groundbreaking ceremony. 

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, creating a new hub in the heart of the town. 

The hub will extend the 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: “The 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.” 

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 ECC will be a great success. We look forward to yet another landmark building going up over the coming months.” 

Working on behalf of main contractor Kier, Hambleton Steel is fabricating, supplying and erecting the project’s steelwork.