We have received notification of road and street improvements beginning 3rd July. The construction works are being managed and funded by the council.  The Hexham Public Realm Improvement Scheme is a key element of the £2.4m Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) delivered by Northumberland County Council in partnership with Historic England that aims to make the town a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work and visit, whilst also enhancing the Conservation Area status of the town centre . Design work has been part funded by Historic England through the HSHAZ programme.

Pedestrian safety will be enhanced, and new planters and trees will be introduced to ‘green’ the area.  On-street parking will be reconfigured to include an accessible parking bay, an electric vehicle charging point and wider bays.  For further information on the improvements being made, please view the Masterplan.

Once finished, the street will operate as it currently does and there will be no change to road layout, pedestrian crossing points, the taxi rank or the junction at Eastgate. The scheme will be completed in phases, starting on the south side of Priestpopple in July and moving gradually west, with completion expected in Spring 2024.  There will be a pause in construction during the Christmas trading period.  A phasing plan is available to view.

As construction work will be taking place in a busy area of the town and need to be completed safely, a temporary one-way system will be introduced that will enable the free flow of traffic operating from west to east. This was identified as the best option, promoting traffic flow, creating the least congestion and protecting pedestrians and the workforce.  Clear signage will be in place to inform motorists of the one-way system and diversion routes.

IMPORTANT

Access will not be affected to our car park from either entrance.  However, please be aware that when leaving our rear car park, you will not be able to travel west on Priestpopple towards the town centre.  If you are coming into our car park via Station Road, there are no restrictions in place and the road is accessible as normal.

A link to the Northumberland County Council website with further details including a map of the proposed road works can be found here.

Thank You

Orchard House Veterinary Centres