Work has started to install new heritage street lighting in the centre of Hexham as part of a wider scheme to revitalise the town’s historic centre.  

  

The lighting combines a traditional heritage look with the latest energy saving LED technology and is being introduced along the entire length of Priestpopple and Battle Hill.  

 
The lighting scheme is part of the Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ), which is part of a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England.  It’s designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into historic high streets for the communities and businesses that use them. 

 
The aim is to revitalise Hexham’s historic town centre making it a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work, invest and visit, while also preserving the Conservation Area status of the town centre.    

 
The Hexham HSHAZ has been developed by Northumberland County Council and key partners and is backed by a wide range of community and business stakeholders.  

  

The £50,000 lighting scheme is being funded by Historic England and Northumberland County Council.  

 
Northumberland County Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for Business said:  

  
“This is the first element of planned improvement work to public areas of the town centre which will help to preserve the historic architecture and design of the town for future generations.  

  

“The street lighting has been carefully chosen to be sympathetic to the local heritage and part of the town’s original look and feel, while also providing the very latest in energy efficient technology.”  

  

“The council is always looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint and this latest initiative will also help the environment.”  

  
The installation work involves replacing all existing lighting columns with the new lighting with work taking place on Sundays to keep disruption to the minimum.  

  
Jules Brown, from Historic England, said: “It’s exciting to see work starting on enhancing the HAZ’s streets, beginning with the new street lighting scheme, which will help make the area more attractive and environmentally friendly while retaining the traditional style which gives it such a strong identity. 

  

He added: “The aim of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone is to help unlock the potential in Hexham’s town centre, through arts and cultural activities, as well as repair and improvement work, making it more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.” 

  

A scheme is currently being developed to improve and enhance the streetscape and public realm in Priestpopple and Battle Hill in Hexham’s historic centre and further information about this will be announced over the coming months.