'Busy summer' for Hexham after major improvement scheme

Town councillors reported Hexham has had a busy summer period, with new outdoor seating attracting customers to restaurants including the Coach and Horses and Vercelli on Priestpopple. 

Northumberland County Council worked with Historic England, Hexham Town Council and local community groups over the past four years to deliver a £3.4 million programme titled the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project, to restore buildings, engage residents in heritage and enhance the public realm in the town centre. 

The scheme focussed on three central streets: Priestpopple, Battle Hill and Cattle Market, which have been gradually transformed. 

Derek Kennedy, mayor of Hexham, said: "Hexham has had a busy summer season - the new high street with seating outside Vercelli, Coach and Horses and Mr Ants does give Hexham the kerb appeal. 

The new restaurant at Market Place with people sitting out late into the evening again is a welcome addition. The Blue Grass Festival attracted hundreds of visitors. 

Hexham certainly has the feel of a market town where there is a positive vibe."

John McCabe, North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “Tourism and hospitality are key strengths for Northumberland so it’s great to see the positive impacts the growth and development of Hexham has had over the summer season.

“The market town plays an important part in the North East’s thriving tourism economy, and we look forward to seeing the town’s local businesses continue to go from strength to strength.”

Meanwhile, one business owner felt some of the summer's poorer weather benefitted hospitality.

Alison Smith, Hexham Town councillor of the Leazes ward and owner of eco-homeware store Matthias Winter, said: "We had a good July with people who wanted to avoid the business of the summer holidays. It’s a similar situation now. 

Alison Smith, owner of Matthias Winter, said the shop had a good July (Image: Hexham Community Partnership) The school holidays were busy with families and the ever-popular Where’s Wally Hunt organised by Cogito Books.   

"I think the not-so-brilliant weather this summer benefitted shops and hospitality. We often find that if the weather is lovely and sunny people head off on day trips to the beach or on walks but when it’s not-so-great weather, they go to towns shopping and for something to eat. 

"I think we have had more visitors from the south of the country this year and also from Newcastle. We usually have a lot of visitors from Scotland but I would say we have had more from the south than the north this year. 

"The one thing they all have in common is that they are all very complimentary of Hexham and what it has to offer. 

It is lovely to hear all the compliments of our town and how Hexham seems to be faring better than many other places in redefining itself. It makes me feel very proud and grateful to be able to say that I live and work here."

Hexham East town councillor and Northumberland county councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken said she found it challenging to book a table at some restaurants as they were 'constantly busy'. 

"Many businesses have seen an increase in trade with tourists as well as residents enjoying our town events and the rare summer holiday sunshine. I found it difficult to book tables as many of the open-air hostelries were constantly busy - I'm definitely not complaining.

"We did what we set out to do as a Town Council by creating a circular economy and as a County Council with the regeneration of the high street and the creation of café culture. 

Long may it continue into peak period around Spook Night, fireworks and the new Hexham Santa and Christmas Lights switch on, where we have redone the Sele Park and put lights back on Priestpopple. 

Hexham is definitely becoming a 'destination town' beyond the historic Abbey and that is also great for our residents."

Gilesgate ward Cllr Penny Grennan said Hexham today is so 'open and welcoming'.

"I think there were more visitors this year and this is part of the general improvements that have been happening in the town.

"There are more independent shops, many more events, that continue throughout the year, and an increase in accommodation choices. 

"When I moved here, decades ago, the town closed down in August! Hexham is so open and welcoming these days. We love our visitors."

Claire Harijan, owner of Marketplace Coffee and ice cream parlour Four Beaumont, said: "We had a great summer in the coffee shop; of course, I expected it to be busier than last year because it was our second year in business, and the ice cream shop exceeded my expectations, even though we only opened in mid-July.

"I've seen a lot of new faces in the coffee shop, and I've seen the tourists arriving by the coachload all summer, but I can't say if there are more than usual as I've only been in business for a short time."

Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone is part of a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England. It’s designed to secure lasting improvements and rejuvenate historic high streets.