TWO major retailers are planning a summer opening at a newly built Tyne Valley retail park.

National chains McDonald's and Greggs have both signed up to Tyneview Retail Park, Prudhoe.

In March 2020, the fast-food giant confirmed occupancy at the site, having signed up to a new drive thru unit.

Now, it has been announced that works are due to begin next month, with a grand opening planned for July.

Greggs are also set to sign on the dotted line in the coming weeks, with a programmed summer opening.

It follows discount retailer B&M, local firm Cafe Ginevra and supermarket chain Aldi, which all opened to much fanfare.

Earlier this month, Go North East extended its Tyne Valley Ten service (10B) to serve the new development, helping improve access to the facilities for residents of Prudhoe and surrounding Crawcrook and Ryton.

Prudhoe Estates is a partnership between Advance Northumberland and Northumberland Estates and has made a £12.9m investment in the location and the scheme. The full development is set to create around 200 jobs.

Construction began at the Low Prudhoe site towards the end of 2019 and was delivered by Robertson Group, who have operated under stringent Covid-19 safety procedures.

International real estate advisor Savills, along with Barker Proudlove, represented the developers on the lettings and are currently marketing an immediately available 1,500 sq ft unit, as well as the planned 20,000 sq ft final phase.

Anthony Cape, asset manager with Northumberland Estates, said: “In spite of all that is going on, Tyneview has attracted a great mix of big brand retailers and smaller operations, and provided a tangible benefit to the local area. 

"We are currently in talks with a number of local businesses interested in taking the remaining unit and we hope for a swift economic bounce back as we look to negotiate with occupiers on the final phase of the retail park”.

Coun. Richard Wearmouth, chair of Advance Northumberland and cabinet member for economic development at Northumberland County Council, added: "It is great to see our joint scheme with Northumberland Estates now opening its doors, making a huge difference to the town of Prudhoe. Developments like this will be vital in propelling our economy out of the Covid-19 crisis and we continue to plan and work on projects across our county, to ensure Northumberland's economy recovers rapidly.”

Coun. Gordon Stewart, for Prudhoe South, and deputy business chair on Northumberland County Council, said: “This is great news for the town, with two such major companies offering a range of employment opportunities for local people; this shows commitment and stability as we move forward.”

Tracy Gilmore, mayor of Prudhoe, added: “I am delighted with the news and can see this will not only be welcomed by the residents but also by other businesses around the town as local people will no longer see the need to travel further afield”.

Tyneview Retail Park fronts the A695 Princess Way to the north of Prudhoe town centre, extending to approximately 97,853sqft with 435 car park spaces, including two dedicated EV charging spaces operated by Osprey.