Urgent Hexham building work gets the green light

19 Feb 2024

Urgent works are to be carried out at a Hexham town centre building. 

The County Council’s Cabinet has approved £100,000 for repairs at 2 Gilesgate, which is next to Hexham House wedding venue in the town centre. 

It follows concerns raised over the gable end of the building. An inspection found there has been noticeable movement above the gable end windows and door, which had also affected the roof line, along with water getting into the property. 

The area has been cordoned off as a precaution, and now the funding has been secured, works can take place as a matter of urgency and are due to get underway next month. 

The refurbishment work will see the gable end wall dropped and rebuilt, along with replacement of the flat roof to rear of the property, new timber windows and doors and a major overhaul of the pitched roof. 

Listed building consent has been applied and granted for the works proposed. 

The future use of the property is yet to be decided. 

Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member for Looking After Our Environment, said: “We’re pleased to be able to release the funding for this much needed work to get underway quickly. 

“There were risks of continued deterioration and danger to the public and surrounding buildings if we didn’t take action, and its proximity to one of our wedding venues also means we want our properties looking their best.” 

Hexham Central with Acomb Councillor Trevor Cessford added: “I'm very pleased that the County Council has acted so quickly to preserve and enhance the building which is in a wonderful part of our historic town, as well as removing the possibility of any further damage to the building or risk to the public.”