The plans would see the Chantry truend into a cultural centre

The �15m plan would transform Morpeth into a centre of culture, crafts and food, council bosses hope.

Castle Morpeth Council has pledged more than �5m to the project and is now hoping to attract public and private sector backing.

The authority claims the project is worth in total about �50m to the area.

The proposals would see a flagship visitor information centre built at the main entrance to the town's Carlisle Park and the creation of a new sports pavilion.

A hotel and conference centre is also planned for the town's Low Stanners area, while Morpeth's historic town hall would also be redeveloped.

The 13th Century Chantry would be restored and turned into a specialist centre for Northumberland culture, crafts and foods.

Another riverside site would be transformed into a business, producing quality wooden furniture and other goods called the Northumberland Wood Company, employing and training local people.

The whole project would be led by a development trust set up as a registered charity and run as a locally-owned community company.

Wheely boat

Matched funding is being sought from regeneration agencies and Government Office for the North East.

A spokesman for Castle Morpeth Council said: "A strong heritage focus to the project will see key sites and attractions including Newminster Abbey, Mitford Castle, Carlisle Park, the Chantry and the Bagpipe Museum connected, with new interpretation signage.

"Major physical access improvements will include wheely boat and off road wheelchairs allowing full access to the river corridor for disabled visitors."

Trevor Walker, director of customer and community services at the council added: "The potential for making Morpeth a true visitor destination used as a base for people wanting to tour the whole borough has become ever apparent as the scheme has developed.

"If we are successful in attracting the necessary funding, you have a total �50m investment in Morpeth, with our tourism projects complementing the proposed retail, leisure and housing scheme planned for the town centre."