Cobbles work kicks off town centre revamp

A £2.6m year-long scheme to enhance a market town's historic gateway is due to get under way.

The refurbishment of Alnwick's Cobbles area will be the first of three projects which aim to celebrate the town's heritage and improve public spaces, Northumberland County Council has said.

It includes a new green space, road resurfacing, new paving, crossing improvements, landscaping and street furniture.

Work begins on Monday and will be completed in phases beginning at the eastern end of Bondgate Within by the Hotspur Tower and moving gradually along the street, with businesses and markets operating as normal throughout.

As well as the Cobbles, there will be work on the Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery, and a revamp of the bus station, which has fallen into a poor state of repair.

Highway work will be paused during the Christmas shopping period from 7 December to 4 January.

Residents and businesses can find out more about all the plans online and at a drop-in event at the Lindisfarne Centre on 30 September.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for supporting business and opportunities said it would restore one of the conservation area's most important features for generations to come.

He added: "Disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum with access to all local businesses maintained throughout the works.

"There is no ideal time to undertake any improvements in a town centre but this package of projects has been welcomed at engagement and consultation stage, and has been timed to be delivered as quickly and seamlessly as possible."

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