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Students from Queen Elizabeth High School

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Students from Queen Elizabeth High School

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Multi-million pound schools project opens doors 

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Multi-million pound schools project opens doors 

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Doors have opened on two new schools in Hexham welcoming students back for the first time since the summer break.

Students and staff at Hexham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School now have access to large contemporary classrooms, open learning spaces, spacious, fit-for-purpose dining and modern sports halls.

Northumberland County Council commissioned the works in early 2019, successfully securing additional funding from the Department for Education.

More at - https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2021/Sep/Multi-million-pound-schools-project-opens-doors-to.aspx

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March 17, 2021 - 3G pitch completed for Hexham schools project

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March 17, 2021 - 3G pitch completed for Hexham schools project

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A multi-million pound schools project in Hexham is gaining pace with the completion of an all-weather 3G artificial grass sports pitch.

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3G pitch completed for Hexham schools project

A multi-million pound schools project in Hexham is gaining pace with the completion of an all-weather 3G artificial grass sports pitch.

The new pitch was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation.

Forming part of the sports and community facilities, the 3G pitch will not only benefit the students of Hexham Middle and Queen Elizabeth High schools but the local community too.

Councillor Cath Homer, local ward member for Hexham, said: "This project provided the perfect opportunity to include a pitch which will support local clubs and the community and improve sporting opportunities for the students at both schools.

"A multi-use 3G pitch has been long needed in the area, and I am so pleased to see this come to fruition. It will make a great deal of difference to the whole community and mean so many more people will be able to get involved in sport in the area."

After netting a £482,575 grant from the Football Foundation, in June 2020 work began on the new 3G pitch on the footprint of the unusable grass pitch to the west of the site.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children's services, said: "It is important that we give our children and young people the best start in life and giving them access to wider opportunities to engage in physical activity will go a long way in supporting their mental health and wellbeing and their ongoing learning."

Students have been welcomed back this month following a period of 'lockdown' and can begin to enjoy the new 3G pitch.

Graeme Atkins, Executive Headteacher at Hadrian Learning Trust, said: "We are extremely pleased to have this available to our students. Physical activity and access to sport is an important part of a young person's educational experience.

They can gain so much from such an experience and to be able to offer this to the wider community as well means so many more people will benefit."Whilst some Covid-19 restrictions are in place, sport is unable to take place for the wider community; however, once restrictions are eased and the formal statutory processes have concluded, measures will be put in place for clubs and the community to safely use the pitch.

Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member with responsibility for healthy lives, said: "This is great news for the local sporting community. It has been long desired to develop an all-weather pitch in this area, and thanks to the grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation this is now a reality.

"The new facility will be a fantastic incentive to encourage outdoor activities for all as we emerge from the impact of Covid-19. It will provide a fantastic base for football development and will be used by a wide range of sports clubs which will improve and increase grassroots sport opportunities in the area."

Phase 1 of the project is due to be completed by September 2021 which will see the new schools operational for the start of the academic year.
More information on the project can be found here.

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Northumberland County Council - 3G pitch completed for Hexham schools project

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A multi-million pound schools project in Hexham is gaining pace with the completion of an all-weather 3G artificial grass sports pitch.

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Local jobs and apprenticeships created by schools project

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Local jobs and apprenticeships created by schools project

A £37m schools project in Hexham has helped to create more jobs and training opportunities for local people.

79% of those employed through project contractor, Galliford Try live within a 40-mile radius of the site and 18 of those are apprentices - gaining hands-on training to fulfil their own career aspirations.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children's services, said: "As a council we are committed to providing the best opportunities for our children and young people locally and it is great to see this schools project is widening those opportunities by providing apprenticeships as well."

Dan Roberts from Hartlepool is a Trainee Site Manager, he chose to do an apprenticeship as he liked the idea of being able to work whilst he studied, giving him the chance to gain experience of on-site activities and helping him to further develop his knowledge. He said: "When I started working for Galliford Try I enjoyed being on site and seeing how sites were run on a day-to-day basis, so I decided being on site daily would be more enjoyable for me as it appealed more than sitting in an office.

So far, I have learnt the different stages of a build and the work that is required before the build even starts. Also, the different packages required and the order they need to work in for the project to run smoothly."

Dan hopes to gain a wider range of experience of different construction trades and different types of builds. Learning construction and design principles from the job starting with the foundations to completion with the finishing aspects. He said: "It has made a huge difference to me to have this opportunity so close to home. It has meant a great deal to me working as part of a team and gaining the experience I have from working on this school build project. I hope this will lead to me running my own project sometime in the future."

Keeping the school builds project and its employees as local to Northumberland and in the North East as possible was something local ward members were keen on happening from the early stages.

Councillor Trevor Cessford, local ward member for Hexham Central with Acomb, said: "This project has been needed in this area for a long time, and to see it help benefit local people by allowing them to learn and grow as well is great news."

Councillor Nick Oliver, local ward member for Corbridge said: "It is really important for us to keep jobs local where we can, investing in local people for local purpose in Northumberland and the North East. I am really pleased to hear that Galliford Try have done that on this project not only through jobs but also in training too."

Apprenticeships and alternative further education opportunities are available across the county. You can find out more here or speak with someone from the careers guidance team for advice.

Jeremy Barnett, Operations Director for Galliford Try Building North East and Yorkshire, commented: "We are committed to creating high-quality opportunities for young people and industry entrants across our business. It's been fantastic that we have been able to maintain our ambitions at Queen Elizabeth High School, despite the obvious challenges of the pandemic.

"I hope that those local people who have joined Galliford Try and its supply chain go on to enjoy successful careers in construction."

Traineeships and graduate placements with Galliford Try can be found here - https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/careers/vacancies/
You can keep up-to-date with the latest news on the project here.

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Northumberland County Council - Local jobs and apprenticeships created by schools project

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A £37m schools project in Hexham has helped to create more jobs and training opportunities for local people.

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At the snapshot date of 31 March 2023, Hadrian Learning Trust employed fewer than 250 staff, and is therefore exempt from these requirements.

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Student Support

Resources for students and parents/carers regarding mental health and well-being support.

Exam Information

Exam information, dates & timetables for both internal and external exams can be found here.

Admissions

Click here to access QEHS admissions information.

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Resources for students and parents/carers regarding mental health and well-being support. Exam information, dates & timetables for both internal and external exams can be found here. Click here to access QEHS admissions information.

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Exciting new era for schools.

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Pupils from Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School will be located on the existing high school site, in a project which will see the retention and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Hydro building and Westfield House, with separate new buildings for the middle school and high schools constructed to the south and north.

Last year, Queen Elizabeth High School was named the second best state secondary school in the region.

It was the third year in a row that the Hexham school had come runner-up on the list by the Sunday Times' Parent Power guide.

There will also be new access points, car parking, bus parking and landscaping, including a new community garden area.

It is being largely funded by Northumberland County Council with a contribution from the Government's Department for Education.

In light of the council's commitment to climate change and reducing emissions, an additional £400,000 will be invested in sustainability measures - looking to ensure that the new buildings achieve an energy EPC A rating.

Former cabinet member for children's services, Coun. Wayne Daley, said: "It will create inspiring learning environments for students from Hexham and surrounding communities for years to come - transforming education provision in the area."

The new development, which is due to open in September 2021, will also boast advanced new sports facilities for the school and wider community.

Plans for the facilities include two multi-use game areas and a two court sports hall for the middle school, and a six court sports hall, six tennis courts and two artificial grass sports areas.

Earlier this year the scheme received a £482,575 grant towards a new all-weather floodlit 3G artificial grass sports pitch.

The Hadrian Learning Trust and Northumberland County Council have been jointly awarded the grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation.

At the time, Cath Homer, local Hexham county councillor, praised the school's new vision.

She said: "I will be working closely with the project team to ensure that the excellent new facilities allow strong cultural and creative aspects to learning, as well as modern and sustainable sporting facilities for use not only by students but by the local community."

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A £36.1m investment which will see 1,900 pupils from two Hexham schools brought together on one site continues to take shape.

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Exciting new era for two Hexham schools.

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Pupils from Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School will be located on the existing high school site, in a project which will see the retention and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Hydro building and Westfield House, with separate new buildings for the middle school and high schools constructed to the south and north.

Last year, Queen Elizabeth High School was named the second best state secondary school in the region.

It was the third year in a row that the Hexham school had come runner-up on the list by the Sunday Times' Parent Power guide.

There will also be new access points, car parking, bus parking and landscaping, including a new community garden area.

It is being largely funded by Northumberland County Council with a contribution from the Government's Department for Education.

In light of the council's commitment to climate change and reducing emissions, an additional £400,000 will be invested in sustainability measures - looking to ensure that the new buildings achieve an energy EPC A rating.

Former cabinet member for children's services, Coun. Wayne Daley, said: "It will create inspiring learning environments for students from Hexham and surrounding communities for years to come - transforming education provision in the area."

The new development, which is due to open in September 2021, will also boast advanced new sports facilities for the school and wider community.

Plans for the facilities include two multi-use game areas and a two court sports hall for the middle school, and a six court sports hall, six tennis courts and two artificial grass sports areas.

Earlier this year the scheme received a £482,575 grant towards a new all-weather floodlit 3G artificial grass sports pitch.

The Hadrian Learning Trust and Northumberland County Council have been jointly awarded the grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation.

At the time, Cath Homer, local Hexham county councillor, praised the school's new vision.

She said: "I will be working closely with the project team to ensure that the excellent new facilities allow strong cultural and creative aspects to learning, as well as modern and sustainable sporting facilities for use not only by students but by the local community."

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A £36.1m investment which will see 1,900 pupils from two Hexham schools brought together on one site continues to take shape.

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Schools project on track despite Covid challenges.

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Northumberland County Council said contractor Galliford Try and its sub-contractors had worked tirelessly to overcome strict Covid-19 regulations at the site.

Planning permission for the ambitious scheme, which will see Hexham Middle and Queen Elizabeth High pupils all located on the current high school site, was granted back in January.

The scheme will see the retention and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Hydro building, and Westfield House, with new buildings constructed to the south and north of them.

There will also be new access points, car parking, bus parking and landscaping, including a new community garden area.

In a statement, the county council said Galliford Try had maximised the number of workers on site, within the restrictions, to remain on target for the original completion date of September next year.

A council spokeswoman said a temporary classroom village will be ready for the start of the new term next week.

She explained: "Galliford Try has been able to continue the erection of the steel frame to a number of blocks.

"Now having also taken possession of the Hydro building, they have installed the temporary classroom village ready for the high school's use from the start of the new term.

"In addition, there continues to be a number of external works progressing throughout on parts of the site."

The council said the scheme had also overcome challenges posed during the early stages of lockdown relating to subcontractor availability and supply chains.

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Schools project on track despite Covid challenges

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THE construction of two new schools for Hexham at a cost of £36.1m is on schedule for completion in September 2021.

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£37m project for new schools in Hexham is making progress.

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£37 million project for new schools in Hexham is making progress

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The £37 million project for new schools in Hexham will be discussed by councillors next week

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New £36m school buildings on Hexham site.

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New £36m school buildings on Hexham site

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The middle school and Queen Elizabeth High School will be on different premises on the same site.

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Plans revealed for £37m investment in two new schools in Hexham.

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(Image: Copyright Unknown)

The procurement process for two new schools in Hexham , which are hoped to open in September 2021, could start in two weeks' time.

Northumberland County Council has unveiled a £37.1million investment, which would see new school buildings for Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School created on the current high-school site.

Despite being academies, run by the Hadrian Learning Trust, the local authority will be providing the majority of the funding (around £23million), in line with a commitment made during the process which saw major changes to the educational structures in the west of the county last year.

Some of the money is also coming from the Department for Education, following a successful bid to the national Priority School Building Programme, although this is ring-fenced for the grade II*-listed hydrotherapy building and must be fully spent by March 2021.

The outline business case for the replacement schools was discussed at Monday's (February 11) meeting of the family and children's services committee, with the project set to be approved by the cabinet on Tuesday (February 12). The funding would be signed off by the full council as part of the budget proposals next week.

At the meeting, the council's head of school organisation and resources, Sue Aviston, explained that a 'competitive dialogue process' will see the authority go to the market with a construction budget of £36.1million and the knowledge that the proposals can be delivered, and ask contractors what added value they can bring to the project.

A number of options were explored as part of the business case, 'to ensure the most cost-effective model while maintaining each school's own age range and distinctiveness', but the co-location on the current high-school site was deemed to be the best.

Nonetheless, the report to councillors explains that 'there have been many challenges in developing a design for the new schools that takes into account the site constraints, the topographical challenge and a grade II*-listed building'.

Coun Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children's services, said that it would 'absolutely be a school which will deliver for the community', adding that the proposals are very business case-driven with the school facing a repairs backlog of £15million.

Hexham Central with Acomb member, Coun Trevor Cessford, said: "Quite obviously, this has been a long time coming. How they have got the results they have with the state of the buildings is just miraculous.

"I'm really pleased to see that the provision of sports facilities is part of this. I agree that option one (with the two schools on one site) is the best one."

The cabinet is also being recommended to approve the development of an outline business case for new school buildings in the Seaton Valley Federation of schools, following the recent announcement of £21million of investment.

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Spotlight on £37m plan for two new schools in Hexham

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Northumberland County Council has unveiled the investment plan which would see new school buildings

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Galliford Try bags £65m hall of education work.

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The largest win is a £38m contract with Northumberland County Council to build a new education campus in Hexham for the Hadrian Learning Trust.

The project will co-locate Hexham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School on the existing high school site, including the creation of new sports facilities, open to the community.

In the West Midlands, Galliford Try has signed a £27m contract with University of Birmingham to transform the former Municipal Bank building at Exchange Square in the heart of the city.

The firm will restore the listed 1930s building fronting Broad Street, while also introducing new stone façade on the other elevations and glazed entrance under a new canopy.

In addition, Galliford Try has secured a place on the University of Birmingham's main contractor construction framework in the £2.5m-£10m and £10m+ lots.

The framework is set to run for the next 10 years, with both value bands carrying an estimated pipeline value of £700m over the period.

Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said: "We continue to make good progress in our key sectors and these excellent contract wins in the higher education and schools sectors are further demonstration of the quality of our offering."

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Galliford Try bags £65m haul of education work

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Deals signed for Exchange Square in Birmingham and education campus in Northumberland

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Galliford Try wins Hexham schools project.

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Galliford Try has signed a pre-construction services agreement to design and build two new schools in Hexham. The county council has been working with Hadrian Learning Trust on the proposals that will see the current Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School co-located on one site, replacing their old and increasingly unsuitable buildings.

The High School's Grade II listed Hydro building will be retained and new buildings developed to its rear.

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

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Galliford Try wins £36m Hexham school build

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Northumberland County Council has selected Galliford Try for a £36.1m school building contract.

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Sporting boost for new schools project at Hexham.

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Sporting boost for new schools project at Hexham

The scheme which is providing two new schools in Hexham has received a boost, with news of a £482,575 grant towards a new all-weather 3G artificial grass sports pitch.

Young footballers are set to benefit from fresh investment into these new local facilities as
Hadrian Learning Trust and Northumberland County Council have been jointly awarded the grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation.

The floodlit pitch will form part of the sports and community facilities at the multi-million pound re-development of Hexham Middle and Queen Elizabeth High Schools.

The Football Foundation is the UK's largest sports charity and exists to improve the experience of playing football for everyone, by championing fair access to quality facilities.

There has been a recognised need for an artificial grass pitch in Hexham for many years and this has been a strong focus for the council, working with Northumberland FA and the Football Foundation.

The new schools development provided an excellent opportunity to develop a pitch which will benefit local clubs, but also greatly improve sporting facilities for the two Hadrian Learning Trust schools.

Hexham Football Club, Northumberland FA and the Football Foundation all supported the application, and a number of teams will benefit from using the new pitch.

Cllr Cath Homer, cabinet member responsible for sport and leisure at the council, said: "This is fantastic news, not only for students at the two new schools but for sport, and particularly football, in the wider Hexham area.

"We have long had a desire to develop an all weather football pitch, and this scheme, and the grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation, will allow this to become a reality."

Graeme Atkins, Executive Headteacher at Hadrian Learning Trust said: "Sport is an important part of the broad educational experience for our young people.

"This new pitch will help transform that experience and also help fulfil the Trust's intention that these magnificent new facilities will become assets for the whole community."

In a joint statement, the trustees of Hexham Football Club said: "Hexham FC is delighted to support the fantastic sports facility development at the new Hexham Middle and Queen Elizabeth High School site.

"The new 3G FTP will have a huge impact on the club and will allow us to train all year round on a state of the art pitch. Having an excellent playing surface will allow us to further develop our players' technical ability, in line with the club's ethos.

"We are looking forward to accessing the pitch as soon as it is available. It will also provide a much needed sports facility for the wider West Tyne area, allowing more of the community to get involved in a range of sports to help and improve their physical and mental wellbeing."

Robert Sullivan, Interim Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "We know the huge benefits playing regular football can have on individuals' physical and mental well-being. That's why we're committed to transforming the face of grassroots football facilities in this country. It's therefore very welcome news to hear that this funding will support Hadrian Learning Trust, Northumberland County Council, Hexham Football Club and the local community by greatly improving local facilities for football.

"Working with our partners - the Premier League, The FA, government and Sport England - we will be investing in over £1bn worth of local facilities across the country over the next decade. We believe we can transform lives and strengthen communities by unlocking the power of pitches and this is another project that brings us closer to that ultimate goal."

The new pitch is scheduled to be open for club use in January 2021. Changing facilities will be provided in the new school buildings, however until these are complete teams will be able to use changing rooms in the existing school.

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Northumberland County Council - Sporting boost for new schools project at Hexham

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The new Hexham schools scheme has received a boost, with news of a £482,575 grant towards a 3G sports pitch.

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Work underway on two new schools for Hexham.

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Work underway on two new schools for Hexham

One of the largest new schools developments in Northumberland is now underway - with the official cutting of the first turf at the site in Hexham this week.

Hexham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School are being redeveloped on the site of the current high school.

The £36.1m project will bring state of the art new buildings and facilities for students at both schools, along with sports and leisure facilities which will also be available for community use.

It is being largely funded by Northumberland County Council with a contribution from the Government's Department for Education.

In light of the council's commitment to climate change and reducing emissions, an additional £400,000 will be invested in sustainability measures - looking to ensure that the new buildings achieve an energy EPC A rating.

The historic listed Hydro building will be retained, and new buildings for both the middle and high schools constructed to the west of the existing site.

Northumberland County Council leader Peter Jackson and deputy leader and cabinet member for children's services Wayne Daley joined representatives of Hadrian Learning Trust, which runs the schools, local county councillors and representatives of developers Galliford Try to cut the first turf.

Cllr Daley said: "I am delighted that construction is underway on this most significant development for education in West Northumberland.

"It will create inspiring learning environments for students from Hexham and surrounding communities for years to come - transforming education provision in the area. It will also maximise operational efficiencies for the Hadrian Learning Trust, meaning that resources can be focused on educating our children and young people, and not on maintaining ageing buildings."

Council leader Peter Jackson said: "The scheme forms part of the council's largest ever programme of capital investment, where we are spending £158m on schools in Northumberland as part of a £678.5m capital programme which will boost the county's economy, improve education prospects for all and create new infrastructure for the future."

Cath Homer, local Hexham county councillor and cabinet member for culture, arts, leisure and tourism, added: "I am absolutely delighted to see work getting underway on this development, after being a long-term and very strong supporter of new schools in the town.

"My particular interest is in culture, leisure and the arts, and I will be working closely with the project team to ensure that the excellent new facilities allow strong cultural and creative aspects to learning, as well as modern and sustainable sporting facilities for use not only by students but by the local community."

The council has been working closely with Hadrian Learning Trust on the proposals which will see the two schools retain their own distinctiveness and spaces for each age group, while allowing the Trust as a whole to benefit from the educational, operational and financial benefits of sharing one site.

Graeme Atkins, executive headteacher of Hadrian Learning Trust, said: "We are very pleased that works on site have begun in earnest. There is no doubt that what is now taking shape will result in a truly wonderful learning environment, and one that our young people deserve."

The development is a design and build project and leading UK construction company Galliford Try has been awarded the contract to deliver it.

Cliff Wheatley, managing director for Galliford Try North East and Yorkshire, said: "We are delighted to be able to start this ambitious project on site.

"The new schools will deliver a lasting change to the local community in Hexham and we look forward to playing our part in creating a high-quality facility for the staff and pupils of the new campus."

The construction work is being carried out in phases and during the initial stages the Hydro building itself will remain open, with access closed off to areas where the construction is taking place.

Later in the first phase the Hydro Building will also be refurbished, with the new buildings constructed to the rear, and car parking, external hard courts and artificial sports pitches completed.

For the second phase students will move into the new buildings and the then redundant lower school building will be demolished, with new bus parking area and grass pitches established there.

The new schools are scheduled to open in September 2021.

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Northumberland County Council - Work underway on two new schools for Hexham

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The first turf has been cut on one of the largest new school developments in Northumberland.

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Take a walk through of the project so far.

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Hexham residents invited for second showcase event.

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Hexham residents invited to second showcase event

Hexham residents are invited to a second town showcase event, on Saturday 25 January, where they will be able to find out more about what is happening in their community.

The Hexham Hub has arranged the event to provide an opportunity to provide updates on some of the big developments in the town, and allow residents and the local community to provide their feedback.

Developers of the old swimming pool and bunker sites, the old Links building on Haugh Lane, and the Dontinos building, will all attend to present their plans and latest stages.

Northumberland County Council will be providing more information about the Hexham House wedding venue and apartments; and about the two new schools to be built on the current high school site - in conjunction with Hadrian Learning Trust.

You will also be able to find out more about the High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme (HSHAZ) which has been approved and is set to deliver up to £2.4m improvements to the town centre.

The Hexham Hub is a partnership between Northumberland County Council, Hexham Town Council, Hexham Community Partnership, Advance Northumberland and other stakeholders in the town.

It aims to oversee how Hexham develops over the coming years, and wants local people to have opportunities to be involved in the future of their town.

County Councillor Cath Homer said: "I'm delighted that we are able to give residents the opportunity to see how things have progressed in our plans for Hexham since the last Showcase in March last year. 2020 is going to be a very exciting time for Hexham."

Bob Hull, deputy mayor of Hexham, said: "The Town Council is pleased to be working with stakeholders across Hexham, through the Hexham Hub, to deliver real change."

Peter Rodger, chair of Hexham Community Partnership said: "The Hexham Community Partnership is delighted to be working as part of the Hexham Hub to develop and promote the town as a great place to live, visit and work."

County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, added: "I'm delighted that the work of the Hexham Hub is progressing, and that it is holding the second event where members of the community can come along and find out more.

"The County and Town Councils, the Community Partnership, Advance Northumberland and other stakeholders are working together through the Hub to ensure that there is a joined-up approach to the future prosperity of the town. As with our other town groups we want local people to be involved and have their say on the future."

The Hexham Hub initiative was instigated by Northumberland County Council as part of its countywide scheme to provide forums in town centres, with similar ventures started in Alnwick, Ashington, Berwick, Blyth and Morpeth.

Each have aims tailored to their town, with the Hexham Hub wishing to:

Bring together strategic partners to ensure a cohesive approach to the development, prosperity and community of the town;

Strive for a thriving retail, business, living, tourist and evening economy; and

Respect and uphold the town's history and heritage, and its neighbourhood plan as it develops.

The showcase event will be held in the Great Hall at Hexham Abbey from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 25 January, and everyone is welcome to drop in at any time.

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Northumberland County Council - Hexham residents invited to second showcase event

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This Hexham Hub event will provide updates on some major developments for the town.

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Hexham schools proposals agreed at planning committee.

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Hexham schools proposals agreed by planning committee

Planning permission has been granted for two new schools in Hexham, securing a £36.1m investment in education for the area.

Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School will be co-located on the existing high school site, in a project that will see state of the art new facilities for learning for generations of young people in the area.

Replacing current ageing and increasingly unsuitable buildings the development will also provide new sports facilities available for use by the local community.

The project will see the retention and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Hydro building and Westfield house, with new buildings constructed to the south and north of these.

There will also be new access points, car parking, bus parking and landscaping, including a new community garden area.

The council's strategic planning committee considered two applications - one for planning permission for the full scheme and a second for listed building consent for the refurbishment of the Hydro building and Westfield House.

The committee granted permission for the listed building application and was minded to grant permission for the full scheme application - subject to referral to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Referral to the Secretary of State is required in this case because part of the development falls in the Green Belt.

Councillor Wayne Daley, deputy leader and cabinet member for children's services at Northumberland County Council said: "This is a huge milestone in the provision of new state of the art schools for Hexham and surrounding communities.

"The scheme forms part of the council's largest ever programme of capital investment, where we are spending £589m over the next three years to boost the county's economy, improve education prospects for all and create new infrastructure for the future.

"Great education for our children and young people is vital to the future prosperity of Northumberland and we are confident that this superb development will meet both the council's vision for schools and Hadrian Learning Trust's education design brief."

The council has been working closely with Hadrian Learning Trust on the proposals which will see the two schools retain their own distinctiveness and spaces for each age group, while allowing the Trust as a whole to benefit from the educational, operational and financial benefits of sharing one site.

Graeme Atkins, executive headteacher at Hadrian Learning Trust, said: "We are delighted to receive a unanimous 'minded to approve' decision from elected members of the strategic planning committee.

"The project team behind our application has worked extremely hard over recent months to get us to this stage, giving a great deal of careful thought to all the various issues.

"We are grateful for all of the support and encouragement we have had thus far and look forward to making further progress with the development in the near future."

The development will take place in two phases.

The first phase will be the refurbishment of the Hydro Building and Westfield House, the c onstruction of new buildings to the rear, and completion of car parking and external hard courts and artificial sports pitches.

For the second phase students will move into the new buildings and the then redundant lower school building be demolished, with new bus parking area and grass pitches established there.

During last year's consultations on education in West Northumberland there was support for co-locating Hexham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School on one site.

A number of locations in and around Hexham were considered for the new school buildings and feasibility work found that this proposal on the existing high school site to be the preferred option.

The estimated cost of the construction of the new buildings is £36.1m. This is being largely funded by Northumberland County Council with a contribution from the Government's Department for Education.

In light of the council's commitment to climate change and reducing emissions an additional £400,000 will be invested in renewable energy - ensuring that the new schools achieve an energy EPC A rating.

The new schools are scheduled to open in September 2021.

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Northumberland County Council - Hexham schools proposals agreed by planning committee

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The council's strategic planning committee has supported the proposals for two new schools in Hexham.

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Drop-in to see the designs for new Hexham schools.

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Drop-in to see the designs for new Hexham schools

Public consultation events on the designs for two new schools in Hexham will take place next week.

Families, residents and the wider community in and around Hexham are invited to come along to the drop-in events to find out more, and have their say.

The first event is on Wednesday 11 September from 5pm until 8pm and the second on Saturday 14 September from 9.30am to 12.30pm - both in the Winter Gardens at the Hydro building, Queen Elizabeth High School.

Two weeks ago Northumberland County Council announced that Galliford Try is the preferred bidder for the scheme, and the authority will be entering into a pre-construction services agreement with them in order to move to the next stages.

The council has been working closely with Hadrian Learning Trust on the proposals which will see the current Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School co-located on one site.

In the proposed design the two schools will retain their own distinctiveness and spaces for each age group, while allowing the Trust as a whole to benefit from the educational, operational and financial benefits of sharing one site.

The Grade II listed Hydro building will be retained and the new buildings developed to its rear - with the middle school to the south and high school to the north.

The proposals include refurbishment and extension of the historic Hydro building and Winter Gardens, a new sports block, significantly improved outdoor sports provision, and new car parking and bus drop off areas.

The estimated cost of the construction of the new buildings is £36.1m. This is being largely funded by Northumberland County Council with a contribution from the Government's Department for Education.

Councillor Wayne Daley, deputy leader and cabinet member for children's services at Northumberland County Council said: "I would urge everyone to come along to the consultation on these plans to find out more.

"We believe that the designers have come up with an innovative concept which will provide fantastic learning spaces for our young people alongside first class leisure and community facilities. We are very keen to share the details with everyone, and to get thoughts and comments."

Graeme Atkins, executive headteacher at Hadrian Learning Trust, said: "We are really excited about the design proposals and look forward to sharing them with our students, staff, parents and other stakeholders at the consultation events."

There will be an opportunity at the drop‐in events to record any specific questions, queries or comments.

It is expected that a planning application will be submitted following this consultation. Once permission is received, construction work would begin early in 2020, and the new schools will open in September 2021.

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Northumberland County Council - Drop-in to see the designs for new Hexham schools

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Public consultation events on the designs for two new schools in Hexham will take place next week.

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Great turnout for Hexham schools drop in events.

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Great turnout for Hexham schools drop-in events

Around 300 people attended two drop-in events last week where they found out more about plans to build two new schools in Hexham.

Northumberland County Council, Hadrian Learning Trust and developers Galliford Try provided details of plans, a model, and fly-through videos of the proposals to rebuild both Hexham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School on the high school site.

Feedback for the new school plans was broadly very positive, with a lot of attendees liking the proposed layouts and facilities and the way that each school will have its own spaces and identity.

There was also support for the fact that proposals retain and restore the Grade II-listed Hydro in its landscape with a large amount of mature trees and green spaces, whilst providing state of the art new learning environments for students. The use of the sports facilities for the community was seen as a positive, as well as the additional funding which will enable the development to maximise renewable power generation.

Some of the key issues that were raised, particularly by local residents, were around car parking, buses, pedestrian routes and disruption during the build process.

Plans showed that the layout for the site includes 235 parking spaces and 15 accessible spaces, plus drop-off and pick up within the school site itself for six minibuses and 20 full size coaches.

Traffic calming measures and traffic regulation orders are being considered in order to control any inconsiderate parking or speeding near the school site.

Graeme Atkins, executive headteacher at Hadrian Learning Trust said: "We have been extremely pleased with the level of interest shown at these drop-in events, and we would like to thank everyone who came along.

"We appreciate the many positive comments received about the proposals, and many people agreed with us that these new buildings will allow students of each of the schools to benefit from some fantastic spaces and facilities.

"We were also pleased to be able to answer questions that people had, address some misconceptions and hopefully allay any concerns."

Jeremy Barnett, operations director at Galliford Try said: "Our team was very pleased to meet with a large number of parents and future parents for the schools, and also with local neighbours to the site.

"We hope that we addressed many issues at the events, but will also be looking very closely at all of the comments made, and taking these into account as we take the project forward."

Cllr Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children's services at Northumberland County Council said: "I would like to add my thanks to everyone who took the time to come along to the consultation events. The council, schools and Galliford Try teams will be analysing all feedback and taking all views and comments into account as we move forward with this exciting development for the future of education in West Northumberland."

A planning application is due to be submitted towards the end of this month. Once permission is granted, construction work would begin early in 2020, and the new schools will open in September 2021.

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Northumberland County Council - Great turnout for Hexham schools drop-in events

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Around 300 people attended two drop-in events last week about plans for two new schools in Hexham.

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Hexham schools contractor announced.

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Northumberland County Council - Hexham schools contractor announced

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The company which is set to design and build two new schools in Hexham has been announced.

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Overwhelming support for council plans to build two new schools for Hexham.

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Overwhelming support for council plans to build two new schools for Hexham

Well over a hundred people attended a public information event in Hexham to hear about exciting plans to build two new schools on the current Queen Elizabeth High School site in the town.

There was overwhelming support for the principle of such a development - with those attending feeding in their comments and some queries about the finer details.

The event was an opportunity for the public to see the feasibility work that has informed the business case and some high level plans for a possible design of the co-location of the two schools.

Council officers have been working with Hadrian Learning Trust to establish a business case and proposal for the redevelopment of the current ageing and increasingly unsuitable middle and high school buildings.

The design shown at the information event was intended to demonstrate the deliverability and affordability of providing two new schools on the high school site. The actual design for the new schools will be developed during the procurement process, with details of this to be finalised this summer.

Information boards at the event also showed Hadrian Learning Trust's draft education vision, along with timelines for the project as a whole.

Local county councillors have warmly welcomed the new schools - looking forward to seeing first class state of the art facilities developed for future generations of young residents.

Cllr Cath Homer, cabinet member for culture, arts, leisure and tourism at Northumberland County Council said: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome these plans. I have been a long-term and very strong supporter of new schools in the town.

"My particular interest is obviously in culture, leisure and the arts, and I will be working closely with the development team to make sure that there are facilities within the new school buildings that allow strong cultural and creative aspects to learning as well as modern and sustainable sporting facilities.

"As a Hexham ward member too it is great to see these plans getting underway, and I look forward to the next stages."

Cllr Nick Oliver is cabinet member for corporate resources at the council. He added: "As part of our ambitious budget proposals we have worked hard to make sure that we can invest in schemes like this which improve education prospects, alongside others which will boost the county's economy and create new infrastructure.

"This council is proposing one of the biggest ever capital programmes of investment over the next three years, which we will balance with protecting important frontline services.

"We're committed to our promises of investing in Northumberland's future and delivering the very best services for all - and I'm particularly proud that we are able to announce this fantastic project, which will also be of huge benefit to future residents of my Corbridge ward."

Members of the children's services team were on hand at the event to answer questions - and to advise that further detailed information will also be provided during the development of the project. There was a lot of positive feedback on the plans.

Graeme Atkins, executive headteacher of Hadrian Learning Trust said: "I was delighted with the turnout at the event and the many positive and supportive comments made by people attending. Lots of good questions were asked and hopefully people found the answers in response helpful. We will be undertaking a formal consultation on the proposal in the coming weeks and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part."

An outline business case for the replacement school buildings is due to be considered by the council's cabinet on 12 February, with the estimated cost of the project £37.1m.

The procurement process for the Hexham proposals will start soon, with a view to construction on the new school buildings being completed by September 2021.

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Northumberland County Council - Overwhelming support for council plans to build two new schools for Hexham

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Well over a hundred people attended a public information event in Hexham to hear about exciting plans to build two new schools on the current Queen Elizabeth High School site in the town.

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Information event about new schools for Hexham.

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Information event about new schools for Hexham

Plans are underway to construct new buildings for two schools in Hexham - a development which would see both the current Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School co-located on the high school site.

A public information event will be held on Thursday 7 February from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Winter Garden at Queen Elizabeth High School. Everyone is invited to attend to find out more about the plans.

An outline business case for replacement school buildings for the Hadrian Learning Trust schools is due to be considered by the council's cabinet on 12 February.

Council officers have been working with the Hadrian Learning Trust to establish a business case and proposal for the redevelopment of the current ageing and increasingly unsuitable school buildings.

During last year's consultations on education in West Northumberland there was support for co-locating Hexham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School on one site. The move will create educational and operational benefits, as well as providing good value for money.

A number of locations in and around Hexham have been considered for the new school buildings and feasibility work has found that this proposal on the existing site is the best option.

The estimated cost of the new buildings is £37.1m.

The plans form part of Northumberland County Council's largest ever programme of capital investment, with £589m proposed over the next three years to boost the county's economy, improve education prospects for all and create new infrastructure for the future.

Councillor Wayne Daley, deputy leader and cabinet member for children's services at Northumberland County Council, said: "I am delighted that we can now present these plans to construct new buildings for two schools at Hexham, which is part of our wider commitment to achieve educational excellence in Northumberland.

"The existing Hexham buildings are ageing and are increasingly unsuitable for providing the quality of education that we want for our children.

"We want to provide a bright future for all young people in Northumberland and, through investments such as this, we can ensure high quality learning environments while providing best value for money."

The council's budget proposals also include £21m for the construction of new school buildings at Seaton Delaval - which will become part of the Seaton Valley Federation of Schools.

The procurement process for the Hexham proposals will start soon, with a view to construction on the new school buildings being completed by September 2021.

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Northumberland County Council - Information event about new schools for Hexham

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A public information event on Thursday 7 February will reveal plans for new buildings for the middle and high schools.