THE developers of the complex of flats at the former swimming pool site in Hexham have announced the appointment of the town's long-established builders’ merchant, Matthew Charlton, to supply all the kitchens and appliances for the scheme.

The Wool House development will see 45 contemporary one and two-bedroomed apartments built across six floors on the site on Gilesgate.

Development director Bob Skelly said he has been working closely with the kitchen showroom manager at Matthew Charlton to come up with individual kitchen layouts to suit the various styles of the apartments.

The kitchens are manufactured by German company Beckermann.

"As a local business ourselves, it is always good to reinvest into the local economy if possible and an order of this size and scale is greatly appreciated by Matthew Charlton, who employ a sizeable workforce," said Mr Skelly.

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“In working with a local company we will have access to a showroom manager in Hexham, not a faceless organisation somewhere else in the country, and given the supply problems that have affected the entire construction industry over the last couple of years, buying local should help to alleviate any supply issues in the future, should they arise.

"We are looking forward to progressing to the fit-out stage within the next few weeks.”

Clare Rees, kitchen showroom manager, and Helen Makepeace, kitchen consultant, will co-ordinate all orders.

Clare said: "I am very excited to be working on this prestigious project, which is at the heart of Hexham and a key development for the town.

"We have our own designer from Beckermann, Glen Martin, who will assist the installation by coming on-site to advise the kitchen fitters and will be available when customers come to the show apartment so that kitchens can be tailored to customers’ exact requirements. There will also be the option for upgrades too."