Ideas for regenerating Northampton town centre
Northampton Borough Council's Cabinet will be discussing
exciting new concepts that could breathe new life into the southern
part of the town centre.
A report proposing a new vision for the St John's area of the
town centre has been commissioned by Northampton Borough Council,
Northamptonshire County Council and West Northamptonshire
Development Corporation. The 'Northampton – Bridge Street / St
John’s / Angel Street Masterplan' report will go before the borough
council's cabinet on Monday 4 August.
Independent authors of the report have set out a number of
concepts that could see Angel Street, Bridge Street and St John's
transformed into a high quality business, cultural and shopping
district. The report details a wide range of opportunities that
could be used to shape the area over the next 20 years.
Councillor Richard Church, Northampton Borough Council cabinet
member for regeneration said, "The report is a good starting point
and shows how we might unlock the potential of the St John's area.
There is still a lot more work to be done. We must look carefully
at the options and look at how the ideas can become achievable
projects.
"This work supports the existing work on the Chrysalis Centre
and will promote the development of under-utilised land adjacent to
the Derngate. I hope we can use this report to start the discussion
about how we can make the most of our town centre as a place for
people to live, work and enjoy their free time. There is a lot to
be excited about, but this vision is only the beginning of what may
become a significant long-term project."
Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for the
environment Ben Smith said: "It is essential that people understand
that this isn’t an announcement about some firm proposals for an
area. This is a long-term piece of work so we can then start
looking into what may happen in the future."
Leader of the county council Jim Harker said: "This report is a
useful first attempt of the beginning of discussions about the
options around the future regeneration of this part of Northampton.
As significant landowners in the area we look forward to taking
part in this debate and hope that local people will make their
ideas and views known as part of the borough council’s consultation
process."
Mike Hayes, WNDC’s Chief Executive, said: "This jointly
commissioned report sets out what could be achieved by unlocking
the potential of this underused part of Northampton town centre. We
look forward to receiving people’s views and working together to
encourage new jobs, businesses and facilities in to the town
centre."
Letters are now being sent out to everyone in the area and the
report will go to Northampton Borough Council's cabinet committee
on Monday 4 August. It is anticipated that the borough council's
cabinet will open up the discussion and invite views from residents
and businesses. The report could also form an important part in the
Central Area Action Plan which will help to guide the future
development of the whole town centre.
Ref: WNDC126
Media enquiries: Keredy Stott 01604 597627 keredy.stott@wndc.org.uk