Major new scheme for Northampton
It's termed the ‘biggest transformation since the great fire’
Plans to completely reimagine the town centre and bring life back to derelict parts of the Greyfriars area have been called the “biggest transformation in Northampton since the great fire”.
A report went to the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) cabinet on Tuesday (October 8) setting out the vision and delivery approach for the project. The area encompasses the former Greyfriars bus station, demolished in 2015, which is the largest town centre brownfield site in West Northamptonshire.
It will also see major improvements to the East and West Island, Mayorhold Multi Storey Car Park, Newlands Car Park, Victoria Street Car Park, Belgrave House, the Corn Exchange, and the Northgate Bus Station.
National partner English Cities Fund (ECF), which has experience delivering large-scale regeneration projects, has decided to work alongside the council to deliver change to the site which has now been derelict for a decade.
Cllr Bob Purser told the council chamber: “I would’ve thought this is probably the biggest transformation in Northampton town centre since the great fire.
“If we think of what Mike Ingram local historian used to say that Northampton’s been in decline since the late middle ages maybe this is an opportunity to reverse that- a site of this scale gives us that opportunity. ”
The authority said that the Corn Exchange building could form a multi-purpose arts, entertainment and culture venue at the very heart of the proposals. Belgrave House, which the council said is currently an “unattractive building that looms over the Greyfriars site”, would be revamped into an ‘innovative workplace’ providing jobs and opportunities for local people.
An outdoor amphitheatre, linear park, mixed-use homes and an expanded and modernised Northgate Bus Station are proposed in the area. The connection between Market Square and Greyfriars will also be upgraded to reduce anti-social behaviour and create better access across the town centre.
Cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, Cllr Daniel Lister, said: “It is the biggest change that we’ve had in years and it’s really exciting that all of these parts are coming together.
“This is a huge site and it’s a real great opportunity for us to fix some of those wrongs that we’ve had before.”
He said the entire development would create 1,600 permenant jobs once operational, £140m annual contribution to the local economy, £2m in annual council tax and business rates and £21m in additional spending from new residents and visitors.
An indicative strategy put forward by WNC suggests the first phase of work will begin on Emporium Way, Belgrave House, the Corn Exchange, and an amphitheatre. The refurbished Northgate Bus Station will follow, and potential housing on the east and west islands is likely to be delivered last.
The authority voted to approve the delivery of the site in partnership with ECF.
The council and ECF can now engage in the Pre-Development Services Agreement, which is anticipated to run from October 2024 to April 2025. This phase will involve further public consultation, technical surveys, and planning.
According to WNC, it will cost £550,000 and be paid for upfront by ECF.