DEMOLITION work on Hexham’s former swimming pool is set to get under way later this month.

The building will make way for a complex of 45 new flats on the Gilesgate site, but the historic facade will be retained.

Developers Hexham Wool Warehouse Ltd said demolition work would get under way before the end of June, and should be completed by the end of July.

Company director Bob Skelly said construction of the new flats would start this summer, with a view to overall completion by August 2021.

“This is a significant investment in an historic site, which has stood empty for well over a decade,” said Mr Skelly, “It is providing housing for the area.

“It will be an attractive scheme, retaining the facade of the building, which while not listed, is an important part of Hexham’s history.”

Previously known as Hexham Hotels Ltd, Mr Skelly said the company behind the new project was renamed in recognition of the building, originally built as the Hexham Wool Warehouse in 1885.

It later served as the town’s swimming pool between 1974 and 2008, when it relocated to Wentworth Leisure Centre.

The scheme was unanimously approved by Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee in October last year. It will include 39 two-bedroom apartments, including two duplex units, and six one-bed apartments.

There will be two garden areas, with access from Gilesgate, while access to car parking space will be provided via Haugh Lane. An existing public right of way between Gilesgate and Haugh Lane would be slightly altered, and improved with the construction of a new steps. Mr Skelly said necessary measures would be taken to preserve wildlife in the area.