Hexham residents urged to give views on regeneration plans

Work is being done to improve the condition of shops in Hexham's main shopping area

Residents and business-owners based in an historic market town are being urged to give their views on plans to revitalise its town centre.

Northumberland County Council and Historic England are jointly funding improvements to central Hexham's "unique heritage and streetscape".

The redevelopment forms part of a wider £95m government-funded programme, which aims to protect and enhance the town.

Planners are seeking "invaluable" local knowledge to help regenerate the area.

Plans to revitalise the town centre will be published next spring

Locals' views will be used to help create a new conservation area management plan, which will include improvements to buildings in historic areas such as Priestpopple, Cattle Market and Battle Hill.

The plan will also look at how to re-invigorate the town's main shopping area.

'Locals know best'

People can have their say via a questionnaire, or at a drop-in session at The Queen's Hall on 17 November.

"Local residents know Hexham best," said Northumberland County Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for Supporting Business and Opportunities. 

"So it is really important to us that they share their views, to help shape new developments and investment opportunities in the centre of the town that protect and enhance the unique heritage and streetscape."

Jules Brown, Historic Places Advisor at Historic England, said: "Local knowledge is invaluable, so I'd urge people tell us how they think this part of town could continue to be improved in the future."

A draft of the plan will be published in spring 2024, and residents will have an opportunity to comment on the recommendations thereafter.