This could herald a new era for Hexham

Apr 30 2008 By Mike Birkett forThe Journal

WITH Marks & Spencer leasing the former Co-operative store in Maidens Walk, south of the main Priestpopple/Corbridge Road link with Corbridge, the general area could act as a release valve for a town which has seen precious little development in recent years apart from the arrival of Tesco.

There is pent-up demand from retailers for representation in Hexham, one of Northumberland’s most affluent market towns.

To show the momentum, and the potential, the Co-op – represented by Sanderson Weatherall – has already
submitted plans for non-food retailing next to the M&S store, which is
undergoing building works in
preparation for its opening in early summer.

So, not only will M&S strengthen this location, non-food retailing will be a welcome addition, subject to planning. This throws into question the overall future of this part of Hexham, which adjoins the prime retail area centred on Fore Street.

The area I think offers most potential is the bus station. The present use is to be transferred to the car park opposite the new hospital.

That will release land in the town centre, around which stand buildings which, in some cases, are derelict.

With M&S standing behind this large area of real estate, and the possibility of non-food retailing being another magnet, the area could be redeveloped either with a “cleared site” approach or careful redevelopment, in part, behind retained facades.

It is a very interesting opportunity for the town, as the area for potential development sits opposite Robbs store and very close to prime Fore Street.

With suitable traffic management and extreme care in the architectural treatment of any development, the
“upper” part of Hexham could be transformed.

This may be years away, but having a fresh look at the issues of traffic and parking as well as increasing the retail offer is critical, as Hexham’s catchment is large, encompassing far-flung villages such as Alston, Haltwhistle and Bellingham where the only means of shopping is to travel by car.

These are interesting times for Hexham and an opportunity to get the development process working for the good of the town.

Mike Birkett is director of retail agency at Atisreal.