Work is under way on the second phase of a retail and leisure development that will change the face of Blyth seafront.
Ambitious plans to develop Blyth's South Beach will transform derelict buildings and land on the Links Road into a retail and leisure space.
Work on the first phase of the £4.5m scheme started earlier this year and is due for completion by Christmas.
The Co-op has been confirmed for the site's flagship store, with Greggs and Shorelocks hair and beauty salon also occupying two of the six smaller units. An occupier for the first floor restaurant that will have stunning sea views is also to be confirmed.
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Now, work has started on stage two of the project with the demolition of derelict buildings on a further two acres of adjoining land next to South Beach car park.
Stuart Hall, director of Kingsmead Developments, development partner with Blagdon Estate, said: "There were old farm buildings and there was a fire there a while back.
"Unfortunately we couldn't keep the buildings and demolition has now been complete.
"We have reclaimed some of the brickwork which will be used reused on the project."
Mr Hall said plans are now being drawn up for the second part of project, with a planning application is expected to be submitted next year.
He added: "We are in the process of developing proposals for phase two, we are looking at a hotel, pub or restaurant type thing. It is still quite in the early stages.
"We are looking at submitting a planning application for stage two next year with work getting under way in 2024."
Mr Hall said retailers confirmed for the first stage of the scheme are expected to get the keys at the end of the year.
He added: "We are expecting more announcements of who will occupy the remaining units in the coming weeks. It is too early to say at the moment.
"The first floor restaurant space is fantastic and we will be fully marketing this in the new year once it is has taken shape."
Blagdon Estate secured planning permission for the two-storey development in July 2020, paving the way for around 175 jobs.
Sunderland based Brims Construction was appointed to develop the 16,000 sq ft in a move that will create up to 100 jobs during the initial construction phase as onsite work gets under way this week.
It’s estimated that up to 75 full and part time retail and leisure jobs could be created when the development of the first phase.
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