Grammar school to become housing estate art space
Northumberland County CouncilA former grammar school is to be turned into an arts and cultural centre at the centre of a new housing estate.
The old Hexham Middle School, in Northumberland, is to be demolished to make way for housing, including assisted living properties and affordable homes.
Northumberland County Council said it would require the developer to keep the Grade II listed Fellside Building, which previously housed the grammar school, and convert it into a new art and gallery space.
Council leader Glen Sanderson said the development was a "flagship site" for Hexham and he wanted to ensure it "benefits the whole town".
"Hexham has a long and proud connection to the arts, and we know there is enthusiasm for an expanded arts presence," he said.
"We are committed to ensuring all residents have the opportunity to enjoy the arts."
The council will begin procurement for tenders to develop the site in June.
Sanderson said the school site was just one element of regeneration work in Hexham, which also included building a new depot in Tyne Mills.
He said the depot will be used to provide 50% more space for its fleet of waste recycling vehicles and would "significantly improve working conditions and welfare for over 127 staff".
The depot's expansion faced criticism after the scheme was chosen in favour of plans by Sir Antony Gormley to create a new gallery in a former fire station on the site.
