THE building which was home for a pottery business for four decades is set to become an office for a growing architecture firm and two apartments.

Ollie Currie, the owner of 33 Architecture Ltd, in Corbridge, has applied for permission to Northumberland County Council to transform the vacant The Potting Shed building in Broadgates, in Hexham, into commercial and residential space.

The building, based just off Priestpopple and within the heart of Hexham’s Conservation Area and the town centre, has a retail unit with associated warehousing and manufacturing areas.

The business, which had traded in the town for almost 40 years, had recently closed which prompted Mr Currie to enquire about purchasing the building with a view to relocating his existing architecture studio, which he runs with his wife, to the town.

Full planning permission is being sought to redevelop the existing pottery studio to provide office accommodation with two residential apartments, including associated parking provision for four vehicles.

The planning statement reads: “The application proposes the demolition of the existing structures and redevelopment of the site on a similar footprint. Accommodation would be provided on the first and second floors with the ground floor providing access to the spaces above alongside parking for four vehicles.

“The new building would comprise of two studio apartments in its northern part with office accommodation in its southern portion. The apartments would be accessed from street leve via a shared entrance with cycle and refuse storage facilities provided on the ground floor.

“Each apartment would benefit from an open plan kitchen, dining and living area and home workspace along with one double bedroom and bathroom. Windows would be situated on the north and east facing elevations with rooflights in the roof.”

BH Planning & Design, based in Newcastle, is the agent working on behalf of Mr Currie on the application.