TWO years after the controversial relocation of Hexham Bus Station, a multi-million pound plan is being finalised which will breathe new life into the abandoned site.

Northumberland County Council confirmed this week that, working with its regeneration company Advance Northumberland, it was in the final stages of negotiations with site owners Dysart to buy back the former bus station site on Priestpopple.

While Dysart purchased the land as part of a £13m shops and apartments plan, it is understood the county council wants to create housing for the elderly, retail units and parking in a bid to regenerate the area.

A council spokesman acknowledged people were keen to see the site come back into use, twenty four months after the bus station was relocated to Loosing Hill.

Coun. Richard Wearmouth, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The point has been reached where, through Advance Northumberland, we are actively pursuing the acquisition of the former bus station land to bring this key piece of Hexham town centre back into use.

“While rumours of this work have started to circulate in the town, we can confirm there are advanced negotiations with the the owners to that end. However, there is still work to be done to close out the details on what is a very complicated site.

“I have been working closely with Coun. Cath Homer and others to try to achieve this and, subject to a fair deal in the near future, we will outline our plans for the site to local people.”

l Courant Opinion - page 22