Hexham remains a gem in the North East retail crown, says Bob Fletcher of Sanderson Weatherall.

Buccleuch Property’s £40m plans for the redevelopment of Robbs Department Store is now likely to have been postponed because of the economic climate.

But while some have stopped altogether, some schemes are thankfully reporting progress, albeit slow, such as Rokeby Development’s work on the station goods yard site next to the railway station which will offer non-food retail use including a 25,000 sq ft DIY store and a 10,000 sq ft associated garden centre.

The market is indicating that necessary retail development will return, specifically in wealthy areas where there is strong demand for shopping – but only time will tell to what extent.

Looking ahead, in the increasingly competitive retail marketplace the challenge for some larger retailers may be to develop the potential of smaller shops. The market-town format, found in places such as Hexham, allows brands to achieve this ensuring Hexham’s popularity well into the future.

These businesses in the town are critical to the local economy. As the local high street continues to change and customers become increasingly discerning in how they do business, it will become more important that retailers continue to offer an experience that exceeds expectations, to continue to enhance the retail and economic strength of Hexham.

Watch this space…

Bob Fletcher is director of retail at Sanderson Weatherall in Newcastle