CONSTRUCTION at a significant site in Hexham is set to begin in the coming weeks after the contract was awarded.

Esh Construction have been handed the £10 million contract to build a 69 bed Travelodge, a Lidl store, and a 250-space car park at the site of the former nuclear bunker, off Alemouth Road in Hexham.

The project will also include significant works to the existing road network to improve access to the site.

Newcastle-based developer Union Property purchased the 5.5 acre site in October 2018 after it stood neglected and vacant for almost 30 years.

The development is predicted to bring 60 new permanent jobs to the area and an estimated £2.16m visitor spending to Hexham.

Peter Carruthers, Consultant Project Director at Union Property, said: “We are delighted to receive the go-ahead from Northumberland County Council. We have worked closely with planning officers to design a scheme which will reflect the character of Hexham.

"This represents a very significant economic investment in the town and will bring a long-term vacant site back into use."