THE council's refusal of Sir Antony Gormley's proposal for the fire station in Hexham was met with mixed reactions from readers.
Northumberland County Council announced on November 11 that it would demolish Hexham's old fire station on the Tyne Mills Industrial Estate and create a new depot to support waste, recycling and highways operations in West Northumberland.
The decision was made despite a business case submitted by the internationally acclaimed sculptor of the Angel of the North, Sir Antony Gormley, to purchase and transform the site into an arts exhibition space.
The council claimed the site had never been for sale and was already earmarked for service improvements.
Readers had mixed opinions about the council's decision, with some labelling it a 'disgraceful response'.
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Shaun Cosgrove said: "A new arts centre would probably have brought people to the town, a huge name in the art world and has spent his own money investing in the town, but the county council says more bin lorry car parks is what Hexham is crying out for."
Andy Dawson disagreed and said: "Good on the council, we pay our taxes for roads and bins, not art storage."
Amanda Hunter replied and said: "It would also be an exhibition space that would draw more tourists to Hexham - the sort who spend money in local independent businesses, cafes and restaurants, and our theatre and cinema."
Paul Robbie said: "There are loads of empty shops in Hexham. This site was never for sale."
Sean Elliott said: "Massive opportunity here. We have an internationally renowned artist wanting to support an art space for people and the council thinks storage is needed."
Gary Wilson commented: "It’s amazing how the old fire station sat empty and forgotten for years apparently of no use to anyone, yet the moment Sir Antony Gormley expresses interest in buying it at full market value to turn it into something creative and worthwhile, the council suddenly 'realises' it’s a vital site they must flatten for storage and workshops. Where was this urgency for the last five years? It feels less like planning and more like pettiness, and Hexham deserves better than that."
Andrew Laidler said: "If Gormley was going to develop and open this facility for visitors and create a development promoting and supporting art in community, then this should be a no-brainer for Hexham. Consider parking and logistical topics, but we need to be more progressive and see this as an opportunity to put Hexham on the global map. Be brave, be big, be bold," he added.
Fenwick Kirton-Darling said: "It seems extraordinary, given the level of interest, indeed enthusiasm, in Hexham and elsewhere for this project that Northumberland County Council has apparently been unwilling to engage with the people of Hexham. What price local democracy indeed!"
WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? If you have an opinion on this story or any other issue then let us know and be featured in our newspaper. Email letters.hx@cnmedia.co.uk.
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