The High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme is a nationwide initiative to secure lasting improvements to historic high streets
Northumberland County Council and partners - Hexham Town Council and Hexham Community Partnership - developed a successful submission to the national programme to deliver a £2.4m scheme, enhanced by a further £1.1m of council funding, to boost the town centre and enhance the Conservation Area, focusing interventions on the target corridor of Priestpopple, Battle Hill and Cattle Market. The need for investment was based on:
Hexham’s HSHAZ commenced in October 2020 and runs until March 2024 (3.5 years). For specific enquiries about HSHAZ activities email: hexhamhshaz@northumberland.gov.uk
The main objectives are:
Towns that are awarded High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) funding have all designed schemes to meet national guidance from Historic England, which comprise specific inter-linked elements. Below is an overview of the Hexham HSHAZ main workstreams:
A property grants scheme, now closed for applications, aimed at improving and repurposing buildings in the HSHAZ target area - Priestpopple, Battle Hill and Cattle Market. The grant process was based on national HSHAZ guidelines and eligibility criteria, with applications invited for properties (not an ‘open call’) that best met the criteria including; vacant units (ground and upper floor), buildings requiring improvement that are in a cluster, listed and in a declining condition, larger properties that need repurposing to generate viable uses and commercial buildings with multiple restoration, repair and reinstatement needs.
Focus on the key corridor of Priestpopple, Cattle Market and Battle Hill. The existing design, appearance and poor maintenance of this area detracts from the character of the Conservation Area and improvements are viewed as integral to moving towards the removal of the ‘at risk’ status. Enhancements include replacing concrete kerbs and paving with natural materials, upgrading the road surface, improving footways and safety for pedestrians, replacing street lighting with ‘heritage’ style columns and lanterns, reviewing existing old street furniture and installing new planters and seating.
To maximise participation, accessibility, diversity, learning, appreciation of culture and heritage, increasing volunteering and building capacity in local organisations.
Hexham Cultural Network (the HSHAZ Cultural Consortium), was granted £80k to create and commission complementary events and activities embracing diverse elements of arts and culture to attract new audiences to engage with the town centre and heritage in a fun, interactive and innovative way.
A cross-cutting project creating training and learning opportunities for businesses/property owners, contractors, technical support staff, local interest groups and the public.
To support improvements that will enable removal of the ‘at risk’ status of the Conservation Area, utilise planning tool, such as a Conservation Area Management Plan, and expertise available to bring forward high quality developments and conserve the heritage fabric of the HSHAZ area
The Hexham HSHAZ scheme has been developed by Northumberland County Council (the Accountable Body) in partnership with Hexham Town Council, Hexham Community Partnership, Hexham Hub (the town regeneration forum), Hexham Cultural Network and is backed by a wide range of community and business stakeholders. The scheme is managed by NCC staff and directed by a Steering Group comprising representatives from delivery partners, Historic England and supported by NCC
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