A town's conservation area is no longer considered 'at risk', according to Historic England.

Hexham has been the focus of a major £3.4m regeneration scheme, named the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), over the past four years to revitalise and restore its conservation area and has been officially removed from Historic England's At Risk register for 2024.

The scheme was delivered by Northumberland County Council working with Historic England, Hexham Town Council and local community groups to restore buildings, increase heritage engagement, create public realm enhancements and was completed in September.

Hexham’s conservation area covers the medieval streets of Priestpottle, Cattle Market and Battle Hill which once comprised its trade centre.

The area was added to Historic England's register in 2019 as the streets had shop vacancies and a rundown appearance requiring extensive building repairs. 

Northumberland County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for Supporting Business and Opportunities, said: “The Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone aimed to make the town’s conservation area a more attractive place to work, do business and visit. 

“This has been a hugely important project for Northumberland County Council in which we have invested much effort.  

"We are delighted with its success and the positive impact it has had on the town centre and local businesses. A big part of its success has been down to the willingness of building owners to invest their own money alongside grant funding and I thank them all for the important role they have played. 

“Most importantly the conservation area status of this beautiful town has been saved which will ensure the unique and historic heart of Hexham will be preserved for current and future generations.” 

Our readers reacted to the news, with some voicing concerns over areas which are 'still deteriorating'.

Roger Higgins said: "Unfortunately while the very centre has been improved, the real ‘hard to tackle’ parts are still deteriorating - and fast."

He listed the old bus station site and the Grade II listed Ropery as two examples. Dysart Developments purchased the bus station site in 2016 and has since faced criticism from the town council and residents who feel the site is being 'neglected'.

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Jayne Walsham said: "I love Hexham, and we have many very lovely independent shops, but having recently visited Morpeth, I was hugely impressed with the shopping centre, it has a huge collection of clothing shops." 

Caroline Watson said: "The old bus station site is the main eyesore. It should be turned into something like the Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth with, as someone else said, proper high street shops, including an M&S food store." 

Dan Sheppard added: "Things do seem vaguely positive in the town, especially compared to other places, but it seems a bit sudden to say it's not at risk."

Other readers, including former Molly Moos business owner Jennie Wright, said the town needs to attract major retailers, such as The Range which opened in October, to keep it out of the 'at risk' category. 

Hexham Community Partnership, which owns Visit Hexham, said: "There are really positive things happening in Hexham town centre from indies in particular. Even shops that have been empty for years, such as the old Greggs Sports, are reopening now.

"Recently two shops from St Mary's Chare (French & Wilder and TRAM) expanded into bigger spaces on the Market Place and their former shops have been filled straight away.

"Obscuria Pottery Studio came to Hexham and has already taken on a new shop opposite as Lore of Hexham, whilst Marketplace Coffee has also opened 4 Beaumont. That is such a vote of confidence in the town."

Heritage minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The UK has an abundance of heritage sites across the country that attract tourists and provide jobs in local communities.

“Many of these are in desperate need of support.

“The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country.”

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most.

“It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people.”

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.