A new masterplan will be commissioned to determine the future of the former Hexham Middle School site on Wanless Lane. 
 

Hexham Middle School moved to the existing Queen Elizabeth High School site in September 2021 and no decision on the future use of site has been made at this stage. 
 

To determine how the site can be brought back into use a masterplan study will be commissioned by the county council. The study will look at the options for utilising this key location near to the town centre to bring forward new investment potentially including a mixture of housing with affordable provision and other community uses. 
 

A priority for the council is to provide community garden facilities on part of the site.  The council will engage with stakeholders as the master planning exercise develops including Transition Tynedale who manage the existing garden facilities, Grow Hexham and others with an interest in the future of the site. 
 

The Masterplan’s development will get underway this Spring and report back later this year.  Further news on the next steps on this site’s redevelopment will be announced in due course. 
 

Cllr Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “This is a key site in Hexham, and we’re keen to see it brought back into positive use.  This study will allow its future to be determined with the full involvement of all stakeholders with an interest in the site. 
 

“Our investment in getting this work undertaken sits alongside all our ongoing 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.   
 

“We’re also excited to see the town become better connected following the recent announcement of the almost £9m Levelling Up Fund award to improve cycling and walking between Hexham and Corbridge."