Repairs to a chimney that collapsed into a building in Hexham, Northumberland, are finally set to begin more than a year after the incident, which has kept Hallstile Bank closed to traffic since July 30 last year. The chimney, weighing two tonnes, remains suspended in the upper floors of the building by a twin and earth cable and is still at risk of collapse, preventing the road from reopening.
New Owner Takes Over
A new owner has acquired 1 Hallstile Bank, the former home of the Hexham and District Ex-Service Club, and repair works are expected to commence within the next six weeks. If the timeline holds, work will begin just over a year after the chimney's initial collapse. The building's new owners, Auld Joe's, plan to transform the site into a "pub with rooms," aiming to revitalize the community.
Community Hopes
Daniel Brown, a co-director of Auld Joe's and a former member of the club before it was liquidated in September last year, expressed optimism. "The club has been an important part of the local community for many years and holds many happy memories for people," he said. "We're committed to giving the building a new lease of life, while respecting its history and its place within the community. We hope local residents will support us as we begin an exciting new chapter."
Brown added: "We're looking forward to getting the renovation work underway and creating a welcoming space that people can once again be proud of. Most of all, we look forward to seeing familiar faces back at the bar and bringing the community together once again."
Previous Delays
In April this year, architectural firm Crawford Higgins acknowledged that the situation on Hallstile Bank was "far from ideal" but noted that progress had been dependent on input and approvals from third parties, including insurers, who were dealing with "complex ownership and liability matters." The road closure has been a significant inconvenience for local residents and businesses, and its reopening is contingent on the safe removal of the chimney.
