Creating space to halt in Haltwhistle

Our environmental arm, _space environment, has been called in to help put the official geographical centre of Britain - Haltwhistle - firmly on the map as a destination site and gateway to attractions such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Northumberland National Park.

Experts at the firm have worked with Haltwhistle Town Council and the Haltwhistle Community Partnership to produce a brief to encourage innovative developers to put forward proposals for a 7.5 hectare site south east of the town, close to the A69. The site is owned by Northumberland County Council, which has commissioned _space environment to act as its adviser.

The Council’s vision is to create what will be known as the Haltwhistle Gateway, to encourage people who would otherwise bypass the town to stop and explore what is on offer, both in the town centre, and the surrounding area.

Phase one is likely to see construction of a visitor information point, hotel, restaurant and petrol station, which will be surrounded by footpaths, cycle track and public open spaces.

The Council is inviting developers to submit expressions of interest before the end of January, after which the shortlisted developers will be given the _space group brief to help them create detailed proposals.

The _space group team will then assess the proposals and advise the Council on which submissions they feel best show exemplary design and build quality.

This is the latest in a series of Tyne Valley community projects carried out by _space environment, which provides urban design, master planning, historical and natural environment and landscape services. Earlier this year the team completed a £2.2m extension to Haltwhistle Library, giving local residents more library space plus community activity spaces and offices.

Tony Wyatt, associate director of _space environment, said: “This is a very exciting development opportunity that could really boost the fortunes of Haltwhistle and the surrounding area.

“It’s a beautiful example of a Northumberland market town and the perfect spot for people to use as a base for exploring the area. With the World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall right on the doorstep, and thousands of hectares of stunning scenery in the Northumberland National Park, there are a host of things to see and do.

“Around 10,000 vehicles pass Haltwhistle every day and therein lies the problem – they currently pass by.

“What the town needs now is a developer with the imagination and skill to create the right mixed use development that will establish Haltwhistle as a special destination. This will help to encourage people to eat, shop and visit its local attractions, all of which will bring in much needed tourism revenue and create employment for local people.”

MIKE MAKES SPACE IN HIS LIFE FOR ALPACAS

Mike Douglas with two of his alpacas at his farm near Hexham, Northumberland.

THE executive chairman of Space Group is turning his thoughts from architecture to alpacas as he takes semi-retirement after spending almost four decades with the top Tyneside firm.

Mike Douglas, who has worked for Newcastle-based Space Group (formerly known as Waring and Netts) since 1972, is stepping down from his role as executive chairman to devote more time to his 88-acre alpaca farm at Fallowfield near Hexham, Northumberland.

From January, Mike will take on a consultancy position as non executive chairman of the business to spend more time developing his alpaca and fleece business with wife Melanie, breeding a top quality herd with world class Australian bloodlines and genetics.

The ultra-fine and soft alpaca fleece produced by Fallowfield Alpacas is processed and turned into yarn, which is then made into a range of products from children’s clothing to duvets and pillows.

Another web-based business, selling high end designer baby and children’s clothes from alpaca, is being planned for launch in autumn 2010.

Mike, who became a partner in 1985 and chairman of Space Group in 2007 when it was incorporated, said: “During my time as an architect I have worked on a wide range of projects including Blyth Community Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals PFI and the recently completed Redcar Community Hospital.

“In 2008, the business successfully rebranded to Space Group and in the last 10 years we have seen controlled organic growth, opening offices in Leeds and Manchester, and completing projects across the UK as part of the strategic drive towards being a national market leader.

“The business is in good shape with a strong brand and culture, led by a talented and focussed team, and I feel the time is now right for me to step back to allow more time to pursue other interests and spend more time with my wife and family.

“As well as the alpacas, I will also be supporting the running of our five star luxury B and B, which has had a successful first year, and will hopefully find enough time between all this to play some tennis and catch a few salmon in the Tyne.”

Space Group chief executive Rob Charlton said: “Mike’s contribution to the business over the last 37 years has been considerable and while we are sad that he is stepping back, we are thrilled he’s agreed to stay on with us in a non-executive capacity, not least so we can keep up with what’s going on at the farm with those alpacas.”