A £2.4MILLION boost to Hexham's high streets will breath new life into the area and help the recovery from declining footfall and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Heritage Action Zone, which includes Priestpopple, Cattle Market and Battle Hill, is historically known as the town’s thriving centre of trade.

However, many of the town centre buildings are vacant and dilapidated, while significant repair work is required to the structure and outside of historic buildings.

Hexham will receive a £1,034,51 from Historic England as part of the scheme.

Further funding will also be allocated as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme.

The authority said the new zone will be backed by a wide range of community and business stakeholders, creating further engagement with the local community and businesses before the programme begins later this year. 

Bob Hull, Mayor of Hexham, said: “Hexham Town Council has pushed very strongly to ensure this very important bid to aid the economic regeneration of Hexham town centre succeeded.

"It will play a key role in the town’s post Covid recovery in supporting the delivery of the Hexham Neighbourhood Plan which calls for heritage-led economic regeneration of the town centre involving all partners in the project.” 

Peter Rodger, Chair of Hexham Community Partnership, added: “Town centre regeneration is central to the work of the Community Partnership, bringing the community together to make Hexham a great place for residents, businesses and visitors alike to live, work and play.

"We look forward to working closely with the town and county councils to introduce this new zone.” 

Historic England said the programme intends to build on existing strengths, including a strong appetite for independent food shops and markets, a strong, local culture scene, and high levels of enthusiasm from local community organisations.

The £95m government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is delivered by Historic England, will unlock the potential of 68 high streets nationally, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery.

The lead partners for the schemes are working with Historic England to develop and deliver schemes that will transform and restore disused and dilapidated buildings into new homes, shops, work places and community spaces, restoring local historic character and improving public areas.

On top of the £95 million, the Government’s £1.57 billion Cultural Recovery Fund will help to tackle the impact the pandemic has had on arts organisations and heritage sites.

Charles Smith, acting regional director for Historic England in the North-East and Yorkshire, said: "Investing in heritage delivers good results for people – it means looking after and celebrating the places at the heart of our communities and the buildings and public spaces which define their character.

"This investment for our Historic High Streets Action Zone scheme in the North-East will unlock the potential of these precious high streets in the region and help them thrive again."