On Bedlington.uk Now...

Malcolm Robinson Bedlington West Ward. dtrepoosSnu76auhh90cl107424538h35f74169gf6h0ath1c47l80h68ifh · 12th December 2025 B&M Confirmed for Brand-New 19,000 sq. ft Store in Bedlington Town Centre Advance Northumberland is delighted to announce proposals for a brand-new B&M variety store alongside a new Drive Thru facility as the next major phase in the ongoing regeneration of Bedlington Town Centre. This significant milestone marks another step forward in revitalising the heart of the town. The new development is expected to create a range of local job opportunities, attract increased investment, boost footfall for existing businesses, and offer residents a broader choice of retail options closer to home. The B&M will provide an attractive frontage to Retail Lane, the new boulevard connecting the car parks with Market Terrace and the wider Town Centre. Outline planning permission for the wider town centre redevelopment was secured in 2018, and significant progress has already been made. Two major phases are now complete, including the opening of Aldi in 2021 and, most recently, the delivery of the new Market Place in May, which introduced four modern retail units (including Greggs) alongside six fully let residential apartments. The project is now moving into Phase 3, which will bring forward a 19,000 sq ft B&M variety retail store and a new Drive-Thru, marking another important milestone in the ongoing transformation of the town centre. Advance Northumberland is now preparing detailed planning applications for the latest elements of the scheme, which will be submitted by the end of the year. Work on site is scheduled to begin in Spring/Summer next year, with the store to open its doors in Spring 2027. B&M’s new store is set to create 40/45 new jobs, offering a mix of full-time and part-time opportunities for local residents. Steven Harrison, CEO at Advance Northumberland said: “I am thrilled that we have been to finalise this deal to bring a major national retail brand to Bedlington. This success, alongside Advance Northumberland’s other initiatives in the town demonstrates strong confidence in Bedlington and will help ensure it becomes a thriving and attractive destination for local people and businesses alike.” The store manager from B&M said: “We’re feeling extremely positive about the creation of more jobs for local people in Bedlington, and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store coming very soon. We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome new customers through the door.” The introduction of B&M and the new Drive Thru is a key component of the long-term strategy to create a vibrant and sustainable town centre through new retail and employment opportunities. Some comments from followers of Malcolm :-

!00% correct Mal, a terrible decision to push through their plans, although I do agree with their reasonings they gave. The procedure after eight years was a deliberate attempt to shut down a reasonable alternative plan, if their explanations are valid then I feel they are correct, I felt their body language and attitude just showed contempt for the councillors, I hope at least they really consider the alternative plan.

Bit of a bad tempered meeting but it was so wrong! Political lines clearly on display! Procedures are there to protect everyone not be circumnavigated for the benefit of a few!

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/news/data-centre-project-hits-another-milestone Data centre project hits another milestone

Cambois Data Centre clears final hurdle...........

As a Bedlington Stoker myself I find this extremely interesting. I know that there are 2 Stokers on the war memorial in Bedlington. I am the son of the late William Crawford (Bill) Stoker, grandson of the late Edward Noble Stoker, and great grandson of Ralph Stoker. Apparently Edward was one of a large number of Stokers in his generation.