Published at 07:42, Wednesday, 23 January 2013

FOLLOWING the recent articles and discussion relating to the proposed new retail development at Hexham goods yard, Théâtre Sans Frontières (TSF) would like to comment on its own position on the development of the old goods shed and water tower (formerly Farmway’s store).

Plans for the redevelopment of the goods yard at Hexham railway station include creating a headquarters for Théâtre Sans Frontières.

TSF is an international touring, professional theatre company based at the Queen’s Hall, Hexham since 1994.

We have, however, been looking for our own dedicated rehearsal and office space in the town for some years.

The old goods shed building provides a wonderful opportunity for us to develop our work in Hexham and further afield.

At the same time we also have aspirations to open up the use of the building to the community and anticipate it being used for a wide range of educational, heritage and cultural activities.

Although we are at an advanced stage in our planning, our progress has been slower than the wider scheme.

This is because we are still in the process of securing the necessary grant funding to allow us to restore and refurbish the building. We will shortly be undertaking a full conservation management plan with the key priority of ensuring that we respect the building’s heritage and cultural past.

However, without planning approval for the development of the whole site it will be impossible for us to fulfil our ambitions for the building.

As a consequence, the wider community, cultural, heritage and educational benefits of our proposals will also not be realised.

We look forward to working closely with Network Rail, Rokeby, and the wider Hexham community to create the best possible cultural and community facility for both TSF and the town.

SARAH KEMP and BRIAN DEBNAM,

Chief executive and chairman,

Théâtre Sans Frontières

Hexham

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk