‘Historic’ Northumberland building set for multi-million pound restoration

A prominent Grade II Listed building in the centre of Hexham has been awarded a heritage grant aimed at restoring and regenerating the town centre.

The property set to benefit is 1 & 1a Battle Hill situated in the heart of the town’s Conservation Area. It was the location of the ‘Grey Bull Public House’ dating back to 1823.

Planned improvements to this property are part of over £2.4m investment which has boosted the town centre through the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) delivered by Northumberland County Council in partnership with Historic England.

The Building Grants Scheme is a key component of the HSHAZ and aims to bring vacant historic premises back into use and restore traditional frontages along Priestpopple, Cattle Market and Battle Hill.

Funding is awarded for eligible works following a detailed application and appraisal process and requires ‘match funding’ investment by each building owner. Works to the Battle Hill property include the repair and replacement of the existing timber framed windows which are in poor condition and addressing damp issues caused by the current render.

This render will be removed to reveal the original stonework which will then be repaired by a qualified stone mason. If the stone is found to be in poor condition, the building will be rendered using a breathable lime render. The property is the 9th building to benefit from support through the Hexham HSHAZ Building Grants Scheme.

Northumberland County Councillor, Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for Business, commented: “Not only is this project helping to improve the look of a building in a busy area of the town, it is also preserving and restoring some of the Conservation Area’s important historical features and unique character for future generations to come.

“This building sits in a very prominent position and is significant to the long trading history of the town centre.”

Jules Brown from Historic England added: “The Old Grey Bull Public House once stood proud on Battle Hill but, like many buildings that have remained partially empty for a long time, its condition has deteriorated over the years.

“This is just the sort of tired historic building our national High Street HAZ programme is set up to help rescue, in a prominent position and central to revitalising the street. We’re pleased everyone will benefit from it being restored and ready for reuse.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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