space for the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership, who opened a kiosk at the station in 2011. The floral displays at the station have won several awards from the Britain in Bloom scheme. Redevelopment In 2013 and 2014, a major Network Rail-managed redevelopment scheme was undertaken – at a cost of £8 million. This saw the regeneration of the former goods yard on the south east side of the station, with the construction of Broadgate Retail Park. As well as this, the project also saw the Victorian railway stables relocated to Beamish Museum in County Durham, with the goods shed buildings retained and repurposed. On the north side of the station, a new station entrance and car park were created, creating step-free access to the Newcastle-bound platform, which had previously been accessible only by the pre-grouping metal footbridge. Accidents and incidents On 8 September 1943, ammunition exploded whilst being loaded onto a railway cart at the station. Three men were killed, whilst two others crawled underneath the burning carts, in order to disconnect them and prevent further explosions. Facilities The station is staffed on a part-time basis. The station has two platforms, each of which has two self-service ticket machines (which accept card or contactless payment only), seating, waiting room, next train audio and visual displays and an emergency help point. Step-free access is available to both platforms, with platforms also linked by a barrow crossing (with assistance only) and footbridge. The station also contains retail and dining outlets, toilets and a taxi office. There is a small pay and display car park and cycle storage at the station. Hexham is part of the Northern Trains penalty fare network, meaning that a valid ticket or promise to pay notice is required prior to boarding the train. There is a bus stop and a taxi rank outside the station, with connections also available at the nearby Hexham Bus Station, which is located a short distance from the station at Loosing Hill. Services As of the December 2021 timetable change, there are three trains per hour between Newcastle and Hexham, two of which extend to Carlisle. During the evening and on Sunday, an hourly service operates between Newcastle and Carlisle via Hexham. Most trains continue to Nunthorpe via Hartlepool or Morpeth. All services are operated by Northern Trains. Rolling stock used: Class 156 Super Sprinter and Class 158 Express Sprinter References External