A MAJOR £1.8 million facelift could be on the way to transform Hexham’s Tyne Green into a modern recreational facility.

Tynedale Council has ambitious plans to replace the ageing boathouse with a major new visitor centre, which would incorporate water sports, a cafeteria and function suite.

The children’s play area would also be upgraded, and the investment would improve footpaths and fences on the riverside park.

Tynedale’s director of contract and technical services, Ian Douglas, said: “We are looking for a big restoration scheme for the whole of Tyne Green to improve facilities and restore them.

“Tyne Green is a Victorian riverside park and we want to develop the idea of this and bring it back to a modern standard.”

“The boathouse would be a brand new structure that would not just meet the needs of water sports on the Tyne, but would further enhance the riverside country park idea, incorporating a visitor centre and a cafe.

“The scheme would benefit people of all ages. It would also include new boat launching facilities and improved fencing and signage,”

The scheme would be the final piece in the jigsaw which has seen Tyne Green transformed from being Hexham’s official council tip to one of the most envied parkland areas in the North East.

It is the training ground for Hexham Queen Elizabeth High School rowing club, which has produced Olympic rowers such as Matthew Wells, but its off-water facilities have never matched the excellence of the river itself.

Tynedale are expected to present their proposal to the Heritage Lottery Fund within the next few weeks.

If the response is positive a period of widespread public consultation and planning will take place, with all interested parties given the opportunity to air their views and forward ideas.

Tynedale Council would then hope to develop a partnership with the likes of Hexham Town Council, Hexham Community Partnership, and the water sport clubs to discuss a way forward.

Tynedale’s parks department, together with the economic and community development department, developed the proposals, following talks with representatives of water sport clubs.

Tynedale and Hexham town councillor, Coun. Barry Pickering, is the owner of Tyne Green’s Riverside Leisure caravan park.

He said the scheme will benefit the town and tourism.

“Tyne Green has been an underused asset for many years and has the potential to be a great asset in the future.” he said.

Hexham’s canoe and two rowing clubs are based at the boathouse.

The captain of Hexham Rowing Club, George Doody, said: “We think this is a good idea and support it.

“At present there is a lack of up-to-date facilities, and this scheme will help us forge links with schools to encourage junior rowing.”

Queen Elizabeth High School’s rowing club organiser, Pauline Higgins, says new facilities would be very welcome.

She said: “It is so badly needed. Such a pleasant building would greatly enhance the environment and give us great facilities which more people could use.