HSHAZ programme

The programme was funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and run nationally by Historic England.

Hexham’s historic heart restored

A major scheme to help revitalise and preserve the historic heart of Hexham for current and future generations has now been completed.

Over the past four years Northumberland County Council has been working closely with Historic England, Hexham Town Council and local community groups to deliver a £3.4 million programme of building restoration, heritage engagement and public realm enhancements in the town centre. 

The combined works have signifcantly improved the condition of the town's Conservation Area, which was designated as 'at risk' by Historic England in 2019.

Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ) focussed on three central streets:  Priestpopple, Battle Hill and Cattle Market, which have been gradually transformed.

The programme included a successful building grant scheme that matched with private sector investment, resulted in 10 buildings being restored while preserving the unique character and important historic features of each property.

A number of buildings benefiting had been empty for many years and now have a new lease of life. This includes the refurbishment and reopening of The Coach & Horses, a former coaching inn on Priestpopple dating back to the early 1800s, which has been a key building in the town for generations.

Improvements to the historic frontage of multiple properties has been possible through the grant scheme helping to reveal and restore beautiful features important to the Conservation Area. The total value of building improvement works was approximately £1 million with property owners and tenants contributing £290,000 to enable the schemes to be delivered.

The buildings restored through the grants scheme were Vercelli restaurant, the former Royal Hotel, the Coach and Horses and gates at 28a on Priestpopple, units 1, 2 and 3 at Cattle Market and units 1/1a, 19, 24 and Battle Hill Dental Practice.

The HSHAZ programme also included a major public realm scheme which has improved and rejuvenated the streetscape in the town centre.

Paving has been upgraded with natural sandstone to complement the historic surroundings and built out in sections to increase public space on Priestpopple. Pedestrian safety has been improved, and new planters, trees and seating have been added.  On street parking has been re-configured to include accessible parking, electric vehicle charging and wider bays. New heritage street lighting has also been installed with the latest energy saving LED technology.

Northumberland County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for Supporting Business and Opportunities said:

“The look and feel of the heart of Hexham has improved greatly through this scheme which has restored historic buildings, supported local businesses and re-energised the town centre. Through the community element of the scheme, we have been able to share and celebrate the story of Hexham's unique local heritage in some really innovative ways.”

“We are immensely grateful for the support of the community and wish to say a heartfelt thank you to you all for your patience and understanding while this important work has taken place to improve the town.”
 
Derek Kennedy, Mayor of Hexham added
"In the Autumn sustainable planting will be introduced to the new planters, which the Town Council will be looking after. This is an important element of the project as it will increase the environmental benefits across the scheme area and create year-round impact and colour.”

Ward councillor Trevor Cessford added:
“The restoration work has already had a really positive impact on the town with more business premises being occupied and trading, as confidence increases, particularly in Priestpopple, Cattle Market and Battle Hill. We hope this will have a knock-on effect and that commercial interest in the town will continue to grow.”

Jules Brown, from Historic England, added:
“This has been a very successful programme, and we’d like to congratulate Northumberland County Council and their partners for unlocking the potential of Hexham’s town centre, helping to boost local pride, drive economic growth and celebrate stories of the past. Success was down to the enthusiasm of local people and the willingness of building owners to invest their own money alongside grant aid. We hope the momentum that has been generated will continue to transform Hexham’s high streets, bringing new life to this charming historic town.”

Schemes were developed with the support of a dedicated NCC conservation officer and the advice of Doonan Architects based in Hexham who were contracted throughout. A number of local building and specialist architectural, construction and scaffolding companies were also contracted by building owners enabling much of the spend to remain in the local economy.

A conservation area management plan has also been drafted with the help and views of hundreds of local residents to protect the legacy of the HSHAZ investments and enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area for future generations.

Ward Councillor Suzanne Fairless- Aitken added:
“As well as improvements to the fabric of the town centre, a community programme helped to promote the history of the town and engage hundreds of local residents – this included development of a digital town trail, heritage research training and oral history sessions to record memories of the town. Local schools got involved throughout.”

Supporting the Heritage Action Zone was a Cultural Programme delivered by the Queens Hall on behalf of Hexham Cultural Network aimed at engaging the community in the heritage of the town centre through events, animation and artist residencies.

Residents and visitors enjoyed Animating Hexham, the Illuminated Sheep, Festival of Flame, Hexham Pride and the Lantern Parade, increasing footfall and fun in the high street and supported by businesses. It is hoped that many of these events are now part of the annual programme

Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone is part of a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England. It’s designed to secure lasting improvements and rejuvenate historic high streets.

We interviewed five Hexham residents and learned some history aboout the area.