Students weigh in to debate over Hexham bus station

May 13 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

STUDENTS have weighed in to the long-running debate on the future of a town centre bus station site.

It is hoped the closure of the bus station in Priestpopple in Hexham and its redevelopment would boost the town centre and attract more people.

Urban design students from Newcastle University were asked to come up with proposals for the bus station and surrounding sites, including Robbs store which is to close after parent company Vergo Retail Ltd crashed.

Northumberland County Council has signed an agreement with Dysart Developments which allows the company a year in which to come up with a scheme for the bus station site, and to work towards submitting a plan.

This work will include carrying out consultation with local residents, organisations and businesses.

Cameron Scott, council regeneration manager for West Northumberland, said: “The scheme will be centred around the existing bus station site and it is anticipated that it will provide retail and housing on the site, along with improved links to the Marks & Spencer store on Maiden’s Walk.

“It will also be required to address bus access and it is envisaged that routes will continue to pick up and drop off passengers in the centre of town.”

The council’s regeneration, highways and planning teams are all involved in discussions on the proposals and a project group includes representatives of Hexham Town Council and Hexham Community Partnership.

Hexham Civic Society has also organised an exhibition of the students’ plans which will open tomorrow at the Forum cinema until May 21.

The students’ ideas include giving priority to people over vehicles, creating a pleasant walking route linking the main shopping area with the M&S car park, along with artists’ workshops, cafes and homes.