Work to transform the site of a former swimming pool into 45 new apartments is progressing well after issues obtaining materials and other supplies.
Willow Homes, the company behind the development of the old swimming pool site in Hexham, have provided an update on the scheme, which will see 45 contemporary apartments built in the heart of the town.
The site was home to the town's swimming pool between 1974 and 2008, and was finally demolished to make way for the flats in 2020 - although the original facade was retained.
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The original target was to have work completed by August 2021, but now Willow Homes say the development - which will be known as The Wool House - is likely to be complete by December of this year.
Bob Skelly, director at Willow Homes, reported the site is half-way through the first phase of a three-phase development programme.
He said: "We are pleased with progress on the site. Like anyone involved in building work, we have been adversely affected by materials shortages and delays to supplies but are hopeful that the worst is now over in this respect.
“I am pleased to report the hot-rolled steel frame is being erected to the Haugh Lane elevation. This will provide greater scale to the development and passers-by will be able to get a better idea of how The Wool House will look when finished within the context of nearby buildings.
“With a fair wind, and no further delays to supplies, we are envisaging that the scheme will be complete around the start of December 2022.”
Willow Homes say light gauge steel work is now beginning to create new silhouette for the Wool House behind the retained facade.
Work to retain the facade had caused anger in the Northumberland town after it brought traffic restrictions on Gilesgate for a significant length of time, but in July it finally reopened to two-way traffic for the first time in two years.
The 45 apartments will consist of 34 two-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom duplex apartments and three two-bedroom penthouses complete with balconies.
Also being developed is landscaped communal gardens as well as undercroft and external parking.
The agent for the scheme the Hexham office of Youngs RPS - is already accepting expressions of interest. By Easter, the estate agent will formally launch the Woll House in a local venue, while a show flat will open a few months later.
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