Historic remains of Northampton’s former castle may feature in regeneration project
PLANS to create a ‘heritage gateway’ using the remains of Northampton Castle have attracted a high level of support.
The Chronicle & Echo reported last month that a business proposal was being put together that would include bringing to the surface some of the underground remains of the 12th century castle.
The proposal, by the Friends of Northampton Castle (FoNC), would also include a historic trail and interpretation centre in an attempt to regenerate the Marefair area of the town.
Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm), leader of Northampton Borough Council, and Brian Binley, MP for Northampton South, both pledged their support for the project after visiting the site.
Mr Binley said: “I think this is very important because we’ve got a new enterprise zone very close to this area, we’ve got a new railway station that we hope will be in situ and we need a gateway to the town that reflects the importance of the town and underlines its heritage.
“I do urge the people of Northampton to recognise what they’ve got. We’ve got a lot of heritage and history and it’s about time we talked up Northampton.”
The heritage gateway project will be included in documents detailing regeneration in the town.
Councillor Mackintosh said: “The borough council is evaluating a number of proposals to look at how our heritage assets might be incorporated into other plans, including how best to both preserve and promote the heritage gateway into Northampton from Castle Station into the town centre.
“As someone born and bred in the town I am proud of Northampton’s great past and want to ensure this is reflected in its future.”
Dr Marie Dickie, a member of FoNC, said the group was very close to publishing its proposal. She said: “It’s good finally to have got a sense that all the authorities that could have an influence on this, and the voluntary organisations, do think this is a good idea and are willing to co-operate.
“There’s going to have to be a negotiation of how we do this over time to fit in with other developments.”
She said: “The next step will be the people of Northampton has got to get behind this. We really need people to start saying this is what we really want for Northampton.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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Comments
There are 11 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
ScaryMary2008
Monday, February 27, 2012 at 12:35 PMis this the historic castle that's around the historic Spring Boroughs estate and the historic Sol Central. I can see this being a draw for visitors, esp if they like graffitti, rubbish and dog pooh that is currantly around the old castle remains behind Chalk Lane. If done well, it might be quite nice.
jimorourke
Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 11:45 AMBest wishes to FONC this is a good idea not to be financed with public funds however voluntary community endeavour and charity fund raising will be good for all concerned.
Tony Clarke
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 10:57 AMBrilliant idea, good luck to FONC I have long campaigned for this too happen, but actions speaking louder than words springs to mind
willi eckaslyke
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 10:29 AMA much cheaper (but no doubt popular) option would be an inflatable 'bouncy' Northampton Castle.
NN3man
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 10:26 AMGood idea, bit of cultural heritage!
forgetnot
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 09:42 AMChrispy1 you forgot love northampton heehee
willi eckaslyke
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 09:19 AMThere's a risk that those unforgiving Royalists would come back and flatten it again.
lady muck
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 07:54 AMThe exit for cars is at the rear and the last bit of 'castle' is at front.... Since nobody else is aware that we ever had a castle, why not just build a new replica in long-lasting plastic to be followed by a re-branding exercise (complete with junior School Choir) to re-name it 'Northampton Castle Station'.
HrolfK
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 01:00 AMIf they're taking an interest in history suddenly you'd think they'd realise the worlds first cotton mill was in Northampton - right within the 'enterprise zone' too. They built a road over it, and the Environment Agency removed most of the mill remains just a few years ago.
Chrispy1
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 09:17 PMCommon Sense - you are quite correct, but I have to remind you of all the other "ideas, projects and Pretty Pictures" that Northamptonians have been blessed with over the last 15 years: 1. Grosvenor Center regeneration. 2. Bus Station demolition. 3. Cultural Mile. 4. Cultural Quarter. 5. Expansion of Sixfields. 6. Expansion of Franklins Gardens. 8. Regeneration of Ransome Road area. 9. Removal and regeneration of Gas Towers. 10. Demolition and re-build of Thorplands estate. 11. Skateboard Park near Becketts Park. 12. Regenerated Market Square. 13. Regenerated Abington Street - including trams! 14. New Railway Station. 15. New Bus Station. 16. An office "cube" (ugly) near the "new" railway station. And that's just 16 promises off the top of my head - none that have actually happened. So now, the revival of the old Castle makes 17! Here's a game for readers - how many more broken promises and pipe-dreams from NBC, NCC and WNDC can they think of in addition to these 17? Answers on a postcard to NBC, NCC and WNDC.
Common sense
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 05:29 PMIf its done well and adds a bit of class to Northampton then why not--we need to shake ourselves of our peasant past and demonstrate some ambition!
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