“It would be used to compliment existing facilities and utilise the former school site.”

Talks continue over ambitious plan for former school site

 Northumberland Gazette

Scott Dickinson at the site of the former Druridge Bay Middle School in Hadston.

Published on 11/07/2013 09:07

A major scheme to transform a former school plot into a new multi-purpose indoor facility for the community is gaining momentum.

On Monday, Coun Scott Dickinson had the first onsite meeting with Northumberland County Council officers to discuss the future of vacant land in Hadston.

The area in question was home to the old Druridge Bay Middle School, which shut in July 2011 and was demolished shortly after.

Its closure was described as a blow for the community but there are now plans to bring the site back into use.

The proposal is to build the multi-purpose centre, which could be used by local sports teams and clubs, providing changing rooms and training facilities for practical learning.

It follows a pledge from the Northumberland Labour group to include the scheme in its capital works programme – if successful in May’s election.

Coun Dickinson said: “I was excited to have the first onsite meeting at the site about the plans. It is exciting.

“We discussed the plan and how we can incorporate the views of parish councils, sports clubs and other groups and organisations so we can develop the plan ready to take to the community for feedback. If they don’t want it, they won’t get it. If they do, then they will.

“This would not be in competition with anything that the community already has.

“It would be used to compliment existing facilities and utilise the former school site.”

Coun Dickinson said the library, currently in Hadston House, could possibly be moved into the centre, because it would be a ‘more suitable place’.