Decision
Analysis
outcome: Recommendations were approved by the Cabinet.
summary: The decision involves progressing the procurement process for the disposal of the former Hexham Middle School site to a preferred bidder for development.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to progress the disposal of the former Hexham Middle School site to a preferred bidder for development, including refurbishing the listed Fellside building for community use as an arts studio and gallery space.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the disposal and development of a public site, potentially impacting local stakeholders and community use.
affected_stakeholders: ["Local residents", "Developers", "Arts community", "Adults Ageing and Wellbeing Fund"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.
URL: https://northumberland.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=462
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: The report seeks cabinet approval to the key terms for the selection of a developer to acquire, and deliver key outcomes on this council owned site.
Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet agree the following:- 3.1.1 the procurement process be progressed with a view to the disposal of the former Hexham Middle School site (the “Site”) to the preferred bidder to develop the Site in accordance with the detail set out herein, which will achieve best consideration in accordance with the assessment criteria; 3.1.2 authority be delegated to the Executive Director– Place and Regeneration, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and the Director of Law & Corporate Governance to 3.1.2.1 appoint a developer to develop the site following the procurement exercise undertaken in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and the Council’s own Finance and Contract Rules, 3.1.2.2 enter into any such further agreements [CB1] and contracts as may be required to secure the delivery of the objectives as set out in this report for the Site; 3.1.3 the specific stipulation that, as part of the procurement process and as part of the preferred bidders winning bid, the listed Fellside building must be re-furbished and brought back into use for community use as an arts studio and gallery space; 3.1.4 the allocation of a maximum of £20,000 per unit of capital funding for the Extra Care scheme from the Adults Ageing and Wellbeing (AA&W) Fund – Extra Care, subject to completed application, compliance with eligibility criteria in accordance with the AA&W Fund and identified viability gap; 3.1.5 the delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Adults Services and Health in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults Services and the Executive Director of Transformation and Resources to approve the award of funding as referred to in paragraph 3.1.4 above, once the preferred bidder is selected, subject to a AA&W Fund – Extra Care capital funding application having been submitted by the preferred bidder [CB2] that meets the funding eligibility criteria and identifies a funding gap through an appropriate viability assessment; and 3.1.6 the disposal of the whole of the site by way of Freehold Title transfer to the preferred bidder following contract award as set out in paragraph 3.1.1 above.
Date of Decision: July 7, 2026