Member Article

Public invited to Hexham Goods Yard

Members of the public are being invited to an open event to discuss plans by Network Rail in partnership with regional developer, Rokeby Developments (Hexham) for a major redevelopment of the disused goods yard at Hexham station.

The scheme involves the transformation of the 3.2 acre site in the heart of the town to a modern retail facility.

Members of the public are invited to attend the event on 5 July 2012 between 3pm and 8pm at the Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham, to see the plans and images of the completed project. Representatives from both organisations will be on hand to answer questions and listen to comments and suggestions.

Stuart Kirkwood, Head of Development at Network Rail said:
“This is a significant investment for Hexham and we are very pleased to have joined forces with a local developer to make better use of railway land for the local community. We hope this open event will give people a chance to comment on our plans ahead of the formal planning application later this year.”

The plans involve a new Homebase, Pets at Home and one further 7,000sq.ft retail unit. The Prosser Engine Shed will be refurbished for Majestic Wine and a Listed Engine Shed overlooking the station concourse is intended to be the new home for local touring theatre group, Theatre sans Frontiers.

Northern Rail and Network Rail will also deliver a range of improvements at Hexham station, including a new 24-space station car park and pedestrian access to serve the platform on the north side of the railway tracks.

Rokeby’s director, Adrian Goodall, said: “We have been working with Network Rail for some time on this site and we look forward to discussing our plans at this consultation event. It gives us an opportunity to engage with the local community and businesses to show people what to expect when work starts later this year on the £8million scheme.

“Retail facilities of this kind are currently lacking in the area and I believe securing Homebase, Pets at Home and Majestic as anchor tenants demonstrates the potential appeal of Hexham as a location to major retailers. I am confident that these plans along with planned improvements to the station will be well received. “

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lisa Kelly .