Plans are in progress to consult widely with the local community about the exciting future of the former Hexham Middle School Site and local people are being invited to come forward and have their say. 

Members of the public can go along to Hexham’s Queens Hall between 3-7pm on Wednesday 6th March and between 10am-2pm on Saturday 9th March to view plans showing proposals for the site, talk to county council officers and have their say. 

If you can’t make the Queens Hall – you can also have your say online from 6th March at https://nland.cc/yourhexham 
 

There is a wish for the land to provide something for all generations of the community, based on the current needs of local residents. Initial proposals incorporate a mixture of good quality housing, including affordable housing, bungalows, family homes and an extra care supported living scheme. 

Thinking behind the design has focussed on creating a high quality, healthy and sustainable environment. The 16-acre scheme will be linked to the town centre and incorporate areas of green space with footpaths and landscaped areas, improved access and a community garden.   

Leader of Northumberland County Councillor Glen Sanderson said: 

“This is a really exciting opportunity to provide something truly special for the town and we really do want residents to share with us their views on the proposals which have been drawn up based on what we understand to be the needs of the local community 

“I have seen the draft masterplan which retains the essence of the site and incorporates something for all ages of the community with a mix of good quality housing and open green spaces. At this stage nothing is set in stone, we want the public’s views on our overall approach and the ideas behind the design.” 
 

“I’d really like to encourage everyone to get involved.  It is a large and important site, and we want to get it right for the people of Hexham.” 

Northumberland County Council owns the land and in September last year appointed IDP Architects to look at all options for utilising this key vacant 16 ½ acre site on Wanless Lane. 

IDP are carrying out a Master Planning exercise of the site. This involves identifying potential uses, site layout and density, and developing costings and valuations. 

Councillor Sanderson added: 

“We hope everyone involved in the town will take the time to view the proposals, either at the exhibition, or online, and give us their views. We will have officers from our planning, housing and adult services team present to answer any questions and to explain the proposed plans.” 

Hexham Middle School moved to the existing Queen Elizabeth High School site in September 2021.  
 

The former school site includes a Grade II listed building with curtilage listed Gatehouse meaning they have particular historic and/or architectural significance and are subject to regulations which protect their unique character. 
 

The council’s ongoing work in getting this site back into positive use sits alongside its other commitments to improve the town centre and invest in facilities in the area.  This includes the £38m investment in the new Queen Elizabeth High School, £2.4m Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone and planned £300,000 refurbishment funding for the Shambles, a prominent Grade II listed building in the town centre.    
 
The town is also to become better connected following the recent announcement of the almost £9m Levelling Up Fund award to improve cycling and walking between Hexham and Corbridge.    

 

In person at Hexham’s Queens Hall