Gormley backs out of fire station gallery plans

Sculptor Sir Antony Gormley has confirmed he will not be taking plans to convert an old fire station into a gallery and storage facility forward.

The Angel of the North creator previously submitted plans for Hexham's disused station on Tyne Mills Industrial Estate.

Despite widespread local support, Conservative-led Northumberland County Council insisted the space was needed for an expanded council depot ahead of new recycling rules coming into play.

Sir Antony said he was disappointed but remained keen to work with the council, including on a sculpture to be sited in the River Tyne, and the discussion showed the town "cared deeply" about its identity.

Speaking publicly about the fire station for the first time, Sir Antony said: "While I am disappointed that our plans for the site will not be taken forward, I accept the decision that has been made for the improved waste depot, therefore I withdraw my proposal for the acquisition of the old fire station."

He said: "What has been most striking throughout this discussion is how strongly people feel about Hexham.

"That strength of feeling speaks of a town that cares deeply about its identity and future."

In November, the council's cabinet agreed not to sell the building to Sir Antony and proceed with the demolition plans, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Derek Kennedy, who leads the council's Independent Group and fought against the decision, said: "I think Hexham is getting a rather unfortunate message from the Conservative County Council and it's not a very palatable one."

Liberal Democrat councillor Suzanne Fairless Aitken added it was a "disaster for Hexham".

"Sir Antony Gormley has now issued a beautiful, dignified statement, paying tribute to the passion of the people of Hexham and decided to walk away," she said.

"I don't blame him at all."

Council leader Glen Sanderson said it had made "every effort" over the last six months to retain the fire station and deliver the depot.

"After pausing the process to allow other options to come forward for three months I felt we really had to press on for the sake of our staff and given the timetable for the roll-out of our new recycling service for the county," he said.

Sanderson said he had spoken to Sir Antony on two occasions recently, saying they shared the same vision for Hexham.

"I made it quite clear that we would help to deliver, with him, a culture-rich town and that assurance very much remains," he said,

"We look forward especially to working with him on his proposed statue."

Sir Antony said he hoped the new sculpture would be "a work that belongs to the landscape and contributes to the town's growing aspirations as an Arts Town".

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