The historic centre of Hexham is no longer classed as ‘at risk’ following a major scheme led by Northumberland County Council and Historic England to refurbish and revitalise the town centre. 

 

Historic England has just announced that the town’s Conservation Area status has been ‘saved’ and that it has been removed from its ‘at risk’ register which it has been on since 2019. 

 

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. 

 

Conservation Areas exist to protect, through extra planning controls, the special architectural and historic interest of a place.  Hexham’s Conservation Area had been deemed to be ‘at risk’ primarily due to an increasing number of vacant buildings and levels of disrepair in the overall streetscape of the town centre. 

 

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

 

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

 

The HSHAZ programme was supported by a major council-led public realm scheme which has improved and rejuvenated the streetscape in the town centre including new paving, heritage lighting, new planters, seating and re-configured parking. 

 

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

 

“The Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone aimed to make the town’s Conservation Area a more attractive place to work, do business and visit. 

“It has been a hugely important project for Northumberland County Council.   We are delighted with its success and the positive impact it has had on the town centre and local businesses. A big part of its success has been down to the willingness of building owners to invest their own money alongside grant funding and I thank them all for the important role they have played. 
 

“Most importantly the Conservation Area status of this beautiful town has been saved which will ensure the unique and historic heart of Hexham will be preserved for current and future generations.” 
 

A conservation area management plan has now 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. 

 

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

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “Heritage is so important to the North East. It plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy. This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most. It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people across the North East. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”