Updates on a £2.4m scheme aimed at giving Hexham’s high street a shot in the arm, and how improvements in the town are progressing, are due to be revealed this weekend.

Residents are invited to a town showcase event on Saturday, arranged by the Hexham Hub, for an opportunity to receive updates on some of the developments in the town and provide their feedback.

Those attending will be able to find out more about the High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme which, once fully approved, is set to deliver up to £2.4m improvements to the town centre.

Northumberland County Council said it had moved to the final stage of assessment for funding from the programme, provided by Historic England.

It said it had made a strong case for the town to receive investment, based on reduced footfall and a growing number of vacant units in the town centre, with one in five now empty along Priestpopple, Battle Hill and the Cattle Market.

It also said that due to the significant decline in the maintenance, fabric and use of many heritage buildings, the town’s Conservation Area was now classed as ‘at risk’ and in need of investment.

More details on how the project will be delivered will be shared at Saturday’s meeting.

Developers of the old swimming pool and bunker sites, the old Links building on Haugh Lane, and the Dontinos building, will all attend to present their plans and latest stages.

And Highways England will also be there with information about the improvements to the A69 junction at Hexham.

Bob Hull, mayor of Hexham, said: “The town council is pleased to be working with stakeholders across Hexham, through the Hexham Hub, to deliver real change.”

The drop-in event will be held in the Great Hall at Hexham Abbey from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, and everyone is welcome.