A brand new cultural and community space has officially opened in Blyth town centre.
The Market Pavilion, built by Kier on behalf of Northumberland County Council, is set to become a vibrant hub for entertainment, events and local life.
Part of the £95m Energising Blyth regeneration programme, the project was procured through the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) framework. It includes a three-screen cinema, a café, and flexible space for community events and creative activities. It is designed to bring people together and breathe new life into the town centre.
Market Pavilion was built using modern construction methods and cutting-edge digital tools. These innovations enabled faster, more efficient construction, reduced on-site waste, and improved coordination across disciplines. Kier used advanced software to plan and manage the project, including 3D modelling and drone technology to track progress and ensure quality throughout. This helped the team deliver the project both efficiently and to a high standard.
"We are proud to have delivered this transformative project in partnership with Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland. Market Pavilion is a shining example of how thoughtful design, sustainable construction and strong collaboration can create spaces that truly serve their communities.
At Kier, we bring deep expertise in delivering complex regeneration projects across the public and cultural sectors. Our approach is always centred on the end user—ensuring that the spaces we build are inclusive, accessible and built to last. This Pavilion will not only support local businesses and cultural life but also provide a welcoming place for people to come together, now and for generations to come."
Dan Doherty, regional director of Kier Construction North & Scotland
The building is also designed with the future in mind. It features solar panels, air source heat pumps and natural ventilation systems to reduce energy use and cut carbon emissions.
At the heart of Market Pavilion is a cinema operated by independent company, Jam Jar Cinema. This new venue will offer a mix of blockbuster films, local screenings and special events, making cinema more accessible to everyone in Blyth.
The project has already had a big impact locally. Kier worked with businesses in the area to deliver contracts to local suppliers and created seven full-time equivalent jobs for local people during construction.
As part of its commitment to giving back, Kier staff volunteered over 180 hours to support community projects such as the Serenity Garden which is designed to create a working garden for people with dementia and hosted cooking classes with veteran charity, Forward Assist.
"The completion of this phenomenal venue marks a significant moment for Blyth. It represents our shared commitment to revitalising the town centre and we’re looking forward to the public being able to enjoy the space and the incredible experiences it will offer as the regeneration of Blyth continues at pace. The new venue and revitalised Market Place responds to community feedback to create a more welcoming, safe and accessible town centre with lots of experiences to enjoy.
We want to thank everyone involved in this capital project for their dedication and hard work to get Market Pavilion ready for this summer for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks must also go to local businesses and market traders for their support while we have undertaken these works. It really is a fantastic venue and we hope it will bring much joy to the residents of Blyth and to those further afield."
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet member for Regeneration at Northumberland County Council
The Market Pavilion is now open to the public, with an exciting line-up of events planned to welcome visitors from across the region and celebrate the launch of this vibrant new space.
Over the past year, Kier has played a key role in delivering regeneration projects across the North of England. These include the upcoming Culture House in Sunderland, Winsford Town Centre in Cheshire and Darley Street Market in Bradford. Kier’s regeneration portfolio continues to grow, with the company recently appointed to lead pre-construction works for the transformation of Wythenshawe Town Centre.