The latest businesses to open in Hexham town centre

Hexham has seen businesses, from chain stores to independents, open throughout the town over the last few months.

Many stores have seen an uptake in trade following the completion of the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project, which saw more than £3.5m invested to revitalise Hexham's town centre by resurfacing roads, installing wider pavement slabs to allow outdoor seating and providing on-street parking.

READ MORE: "There's nowhere else like Hexham", as new indie businesses thrive in town

The Range, a leading UK retailer of home, garden and leisure items, moved into the former Marks and Spencer on Maiden's Walk.

The queue of customers on The Range's first day (Image: Amelia Dalton)

The 22,000-square foot store, which opened on October 11, will offer affordable products from home essentials and soft furnishings to pet items and the highly anticipated 2024 Christmas collection - offering a one-stop-shop where the community can conveniently find everything they need under one roof.

Honey B Flowers opened on Battle Hill earlier this month.

Jeweller Lolla Mac and homeware store Grace and Purpose were two more businesses which opened this summer.

The Northumberland-based handmade sterling silver and mixed metal jeweller based on St Mary's Chare is owned by founder and jewellery maker, Clare Edwin.

Clare Edwin, founder of LollaMac (Image: LollaMac) Laura Jackson opened Grace & Purpose on Battle Hill with her partner Pete in June. Customers can find everything from gift cards, notebooks and lighting to accessories.

"We always strive to find things everyone doesn't have or you won't find two doors down. People have been amazingly positive so far. I was astounded by how often people say to me on a daily basis 'this is what Hexham needs', 'Hexham needs more shops'. We've had amazing community support," she said.

READ MORE: 'Renaissance' for booming town centre business

Folklore-based homeware store Lore, on Market Street, opened at the end of July. The shop sells items including teapots, cushions, artworks and throws, based on different types of local folklore.

Lore in Hexham (Image: Natalie Finnigan)

The Smashing Burger on Priestpopple saw 'absolute chaos' in its first few weeks of opening - in a positive way. 

"Feedback has been fantastic, we've been really happy with it and people seem excited," owner Nahil said.

Inside The Smashing Burger (Image: Natalie Finnigan) Northumberland Antique Centre, Snap! Records and Travels with Amy M have also opened since the start of 2024, while other additions to Hexham's  food scene include The Garden Coffee House, ice cream parlour Four Beaumont and 31 Market Place, a pop-up restaurant selling Italian-inspired dishes.

Muro Lounge, owned by Loungers, opened on Fore Street on November 1, 2023. Manager Judith de Vries reported an 'amazing' first year and thanked the business' customers for their continued support.

Manager Judith de Vries outside Muro Lounge in Hexham (Image: NQ)