£10M Transformation of Hexam Bunker Begins

The redevelopment of a former nuclear bunker, which will create 60 new permanent jobs on the outskirts of Hexam, has begun.

Led by Newcastle-based Union Property Development Ltd, the £10M project will deliver a 60-room Travelodge, a Lidl food store and a 250-space car park on the vacant 5.5 acre site, which is set to result in an estimated £2.16M visitor spending boost for the town.

Esh Construction has begun work on the site after being named as main contractor in September 2020.

Gary Dobson, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “Esh is delighted to be working with Union Property to deliver the transformation of this site which has been unoccupied for decades.

“The development of vacant sites like Hexham Bunker – which will boost visitor spending and create new jobs – is pivotal in the region’s economic recovery from the pandemic. We’re proud to be playing our part as a local contractor through the responsible procurement of local sub-contractors and supply for this development.”

Significant infrastructure works are to be delivered including the formation of a new roundabout and a main access road into the site, to improve access as well as pedestrian safety.

The former nuclear bunker site was purchased in October 2018 by Union Property, with plans for new retail units given the green light by Northumberland County Council in late 2019 including consent for two further retail units.

Peter Carruthers, Consultant Project Director at Union Property, said: “Despite the economic uncertainty brought about by Covid-19, we are as committed as ever to delivering our development pipeline and are delighted to have now commenced work on site. We have worked closely with a variety of local stakeholders to design a scheme which will reflect the character of Hexham. This represents a very significant economic investment in the town and will bring a long-term vacant site back into use.”

Set for completion in April 2022, Esh Contruction is working in partnership with FaulknerBrowns Architects, Portland Consulting Engineers and kyoob.

Leading light gauge steel framing (LGSF) specialist, Sigmat, recently announced their appointment by Esh to deliver the structure of the four-storey Travelodge hotel facility, which will begin this summer.

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