The BBC says Hexham remains central to filming for the CBBC series The Dumping Ground, as plans to build 200 new homes on the site of one of the programme’s locations move a step closer.
Since 2021, the award-winning CBBC programme The Dumping Ground - a continuation of Tracy Beaker Returns - has been filming at the former Hexham Middle School site, predominantly in the Grade II listed Fellside Building.
Outline permission for up to 200 homes on the 6.1-hectare site was granted last March, and Northumberland County Council (NCC) is now close to announcing a construction partner to deliver the housing scheme.
The county council’s cabinet member for finance and Corbridge councillor Nick Oliver recently said that he expects to see some action on the project, which includes plans for a portion of affordable housing, "very soon".
The proposals would see the demolition of most of the former school on Wanless Lane, although the Fellside building, the former caretaker’s cottage and the Gatehouse will be retained.
The BBC have said that the series is now "firmly rooted" in the local area and the wider North East region.
"We are based in the town for around 15 weeks each year, during which time our cast and crew (averaging approximately 75 people a day) contribute directly to the local economy through accommodation, living costs, and regular filming at locations across Hexham," said a BBC spokesperson.
"The production has built strong connections within the community over the years, engaging local suppliers, supporting regional crew, and working closely with residents and businesses while filming. Hexham continues to be an integral part of the identity and visual landscape of the show."
Councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken said that although the plans outline the demolition of the historic Beaumont Building, the council "can't turn Hexham into a museum".
She did say, however, that it was "amazing" to see the work being done by the BBC at the Fellside building, now and "for the foreseeable future".
"The Beaumont Building, whilst once beautiful, is right in the middle of a plan for affordable and social housing, which is much needed in Hexham, and thus the wider social benefits outweigh the risk, meaning the asbestos-ridden building must be demolished.
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"The Fellside Building is listed and was left out of the site plan for that reason, as it is difficult for a developer to reuse and reroof - that said, the BBC is happily using it as a film set for the CBBC series 'The Dumping Ground.'
"They provide security for the site, as well as valuable cultural capital for the town. If someone comes forward with an offer for the building, this may change, but at the moment, the situation suits everyone, and we were reassured by Nick Oliver at the Community Partnership meeting that bids for the main site are coming in, and we should see much-anticipated progress there soon."
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