Developer Bellway Homes is looking to create a series of developments at the US-owned engineering plant in Duston. They hope to create 1,000 jobs – nearly the same number of jobs that were axed at the plant in Main Road, a decision made by bosses in 2001.
Kim Webster, planning manager at Bellway Homes, said: "The aim is to provide a mixed scheme of homes, offices and community facilities such as youth and medical centres spread over a 27 hectare-site.
"We also want to create 1,000 jobs by building these offices and business units, which is about the same number employed at the plant when it was operational."
Bellway Homes has been in talks with Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire County Council, Sport England and various other groups to make sure we fulfil the planning obligations." She said: "We've specifically chosen light industrial buildings and offices as opposed to warehouses and factories because we want to minimise the impact on the surrounding area and leave as much of the green areas alone. The plan is only an idea of what the site may look like which is why we want people to come to a three-day exhibition at Duston Community Centre."
Representatives from Bellway Homes, Timken and Green Issues, a research company employed by the developer, will be on hand to answer any queries. Mrs Webster said: "Bellway Homes was chosen by Timken as the preferred developer for the project. This is an ideal opportunity for development and we are fulfilling the Government objectives by building on a brownfield site."
Bellway Homes will submit an outline application to Northampton Borough Council in the autumn. The exhibition will run from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, July 18, 9am to 7pm on Saturday, July 19, and 10am to 6pm on Sunday, July 20.