DEVELOPERS are being invited to bid for work at a site in Haltwhistle that is expected to become both a destination point and gateway to Northumberland.

Property developers have until the end of January to submit expressions of interest for phase one of the development, which is likely to see the construction of a visitor information point, hotel, restaurant and petrol station along with footpaths, cycle track and public open spaces.

Design and building firm _space group has been working with Haltwhistle Town Council and the Haltwhistle Community Partnership to produce a brief to encourage developers to put forward proposals for a 7.5 hectare site south east of the town.

The site is owned by Northumberland County Council, which has commissioned _space environment to act as its adviser.

The council’s vision is to create what will be known as the Haltwhistle Gateway, to encourage people who would otherwise bypass the town to stop and explore what is on offer both in the town centre and the surrounding area.

Tony Wyatt, associate director of _space environment, said: “This is a very exciting development opportunity that could really boost the fortunes of Haltwhistle.

“It’s a beautiful example of a Northumberland market town and the perfect spot for people to use as a base for exploring the area. With the world heritage site Hadrian’s Wall right on the doorstep, and thousands of hectares of stunning scenery in the Northumberland National Park, there are a host of things to see and do.

“Around 10,000 vehicles pass Haltwhistle every day and therein lies the problem – they currently pass by. What the town needs now is a developer with the imagination and skill to create the right mixed use development that will establish Haltwhistle as a special destination.

Coun Jeff Reid, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “This site provides us with a fantastic opportunity to develop a leisure and visitor attraction, along with services that will complement the existing and proposed attractions at Haltwhistle and in the Hadrian’s Wall area.”