People get chance to shape the future
Aug 8 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal
THE PEOPLE of a Northumberland town are to have their say on a massive project that could create up to 800 jobs.
Planners want to develop land on the outskirts of Haltwhistle, which would include a tourist centre as well as business units.
Urban design and town planning specialist Taylor Young has been commissioned to examine the options for the five-hectare development, which borders Hadrian Business Park and the former Akzo Nobel works on the outskirts of the town.
The project will involve intensive consultation with residents, local businesses and tourist attractions along the Hadrian’s Wall corridor, through workshops and interviews, in order to gauge public opinion and shape proposals.
Gillian Cowell, project officer with the Haltwhistle Partnership, said the project was an important part of the town’s future.
She said: “This site is hugely significant to the future economic success of Haltwhistle, it is therefore important that local people play a key part in shaping plans for its use.
“I am sure that Haltwhistle residents and businesses will be keen to give their views on how the land can be best used to attract more visitors and benefit our town.”
A report from the consultation, commissioned by the Northumberland Strategic Department, is due later this year.
The study will also focus on the development plan for the Hadrian’s Wall corridor, produced by Hadrian’s Wall Heritage, following on from previous work to encourage visitors to explore the area.
Linda Tuttiett, chief executive officer at Hadrian’s Wall Heritage, said: “The development of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage’s proposals for improvements at the key sites and attractions along the wall is really gathering pace, with a number of schemes beginning to come to fruition, particularly in the crucial central section of the wall.
“This site is really important to us – it is in a great location with the potential to offer something different to complement our wider proposals and ensure that the benefits of our work to promote the visitor economy along the corridor are felt by local communities, such as Haltwhistle.”
Work to improve access to the site, which includes existing industrial space as well as undeveloped land, has already begun.
The construction of a new multi-million pound roundabout and access road, providing a direct link to the A69, is due for completion later this year.
