Potential £7.9m investment in former Alnwick school buildings welcomed by civic society

Plans for a new hotel and restaurant near Alnwick Castle have received a cautious welcome from a local interest group.
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Alnwick Civic Society committee members have signalled their initial broad support for the scheme to redevelop the former Duchess’s Community High School buildings on Bailiffgate.

They are now seeking the views of the wider membership before formally submitting comments.

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“We feel that this investment in Alnwick should be welcomed,” the committee stated in a message to members.

Northumberland Estates wants to redevelop 2-8 Bailiffgate, near Alnwick Castle. Picture: GoogleNorthumberland Estates wants to redevelop 2-8 Bailiffgate, near Alnwick Castle. Picture: Google
Northumberland Estates wants to redevelop 2-8 Bailiffgate, near Alnwick Castle. Picture: Google

“The poor internal condition of the current buildings is of real concern, and a viable long-term future is needed.

“We agree with Historic England that the design has been handled with sensitivity and respect for the location.

“However, we would prefer that the new development was less visible from the bottom of The Peth, and we believe this could be achieved with some adjustments to the configuration to reduce the height of the new building.

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“We also have some concerns about traffic access from the Peth and from Walkergate.

“The proposals require some trees to be removed, and we would urge that these should be replaced.”

Permission is also sought for the demolition of some buildings and the construction of a new four-storey block to the rear, with a terraced frontage along The Peth, to provide another 33 rooms.

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