'Historic abbey must not be a theme park'
Business experts will be brought in to help find a way to revitalise Northampton's historic Delapre Abbey, but with the warning it must not simply be turned into a theme park.
Members of Northampton Borough Council's cabinet last night discussed ways to help restore the dilapidated Far Cotton building, which dates back to 1145.
They heard the full restoration of the abbey is likely to cost as much as 15 million, but argued the historic building needed to be restored as a priority, meaning the business community would have to help fund the project.
The authority's cabinet member for finance, Councillor David Perkins (Lib Dem, Boughton Green) said: "We'll need to bring in the private sector, because it's going to take money from both the public and private sector to do this.
"But we're not looking to see an Alton Towers in Northampton, we're looking for something sympathetic to the heritage of Delapre Abbey."
Members of the council's cabinet heard details of a three-year investigation into the abbey's future, which suggested that once the building is restored, it could be used for such things as weddings, functions and holiday homes.
Councillor Perkins admitted the current economic climate meant finding the money for the restoration would be difficult, but he insisted that should not stand in the way.
He added: "We've got to find a way forward for Delapre Abbey, this is the crunch time.
"Whatever the difficulties, we've got to find a way to restore this magnificent property.
"We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, without admitting defeat, because we are not going to be defeated, we will find a way."
A specially created project board has now been set up to look at ways to raise cash for the abbey's restoration. They will report their progress to the council in 12 months' time.
The positive approach, and 50,000 from the council to fund the investigation, has been welcomed by campaigners who have been fighting for years to restore the abbey.
Friends of Delapre Abbey member, Graham Walker, who was at last night's meeting, said: "It's great they've found some money to help move things forward and they've committed themselves to the abbey.
"It's a positive move and it's nice to see things are moving on after all these years."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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