THE developer proposing a regeneration of a historic Hexham site has acquired the plot, paving the way for a September start to construction work.

The £9.2 million redevelopment of the town’s old workhouse will see the 182-year-old building transformed into 32 two and three bedroomed apartments and two townhouses.

The former masters’ house, together with the south and east blocks, will be retained and extended.

The original outward facing public facades of the buildings will also remain and all additions and extensions will face a carefully landscaped, central courtyard. There will be 43 on site parking spaces.

79th Group chairman David Webster said: “We have been overwhelmed by the interest in this development, it has proved to be one of our most popular projects since it launched in January.

“I think its location, in a beautiful market town within the Tyne Valley and the site’s history are capturing the attention of regional, national and international investors.

“As we progress, we are keen to continue to work with the community in which we are building and as a result, we are in the process of improving site security with the installation of perimeter boarding.”

The site closed as a workhouse in 1939 before becoming the administration block of Hexham General Hospital on the founding of the NHS in 1948.

Although not listed, it is viewed as an important landmark within the Hexham Conservation Area.

The development will complement a neighbouring scheme – the creation of 40 retirement homes in a new-build three storey apartment block just off Dene Avenue – by developer McCarthy Stone.