Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery says he is optimistic about the future of the former Alcan smelter site at Lynemouth in Northumberland following a tour and talks with site owner and developer Harworth Estates.
Mr Lavery recently visited the 320 acre site to check on progress with its redevelopment.
“I’ve been greatly impressed by what I’ve seen and heard both in terms of the ongoing demolition activities and Harworth Estates’ ambitions for this unique site,” he said.
Aluminium production ended at Lynemouth in March 2012 and Harworth Estates took over the site in April 2015. Since then, demolition has started on some of the buildings while others are being retained for alternative commercial uses to bring further employment back to the site.
One of the buildings that will remain is the former aluminium casting plant which is now home to Lynx Precast, specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of precast concrete flooring systems for the UK construction industry.
“I congratulate Lynx Precast for having already created 30 jobs on the site and I hope to see many more high quality jobs return to Lynemouth,” continued Mr Lavery.
“The demolition work is complex but it has clearly been very carefully planned and is being diligently carried out. I understand this work will continue into the summer by which time the site will look very different.
“This community has a proud industrial heritage but our priority now is to create a future of opportunity based on investment and long-term, secure jobs. Harworth Estates has my full backing for the role it is playing in delivering this brighter future.”
In spring 2016 Harworth Estates will consult with local residents and other interested parties on an outline masterplan for the site.
Eddie Peat, Director at Harworth Estates, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Ian Lavery at Lynemouth and we’re grateful for his support of our efforts to develop the site. We’re still in the relatively early stages of our work but we’ve made a good start and we’re buoyed by the welcome we’ve received from Ian, the local community and Northumberland County Council who all share our commitment to bring high-value employment back to the site.”