'Let it shine like a beacon'
IDEAS on what to do with the Express Lifts tower in Northampton have been flooding into the Chronicle & Echo.
County residents have been sending in their suggestions on how best to use the landmark building after academics at the University of Northampton announced they would carry out a feasibility study.
Among those to share their views with the Chron was marketing expert Peter Bretherton from Wellingborough.
Mr Bretherton, who runs marketing company Connect 2, has come up with several possible uses.
Inspired by a visit to Seattle's Space Needle, the 54-year-old suggests building a rotating restaurant or viewing platform at the top of the 127-metre tower.
His second idea – similar to Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Wrapped Reichstag in Berlin – would see the lift tower covered in an uplifting marketing message.
Or the tower could be turned into a giant abseiling attraction, he says, with climbers catching a lift up before descending the building.
However, Mr Bretherton's favourite suggestion is to create the world's first inland lighthouse.
He said: "When the lift tower was first built, Terry Wogan on Radio 2 used to call it the famous lighthouse that could be seen from the M1. I think we should now install giant lights at the top of it and use it as a beacon to mark this great town."
Mr Bretherton, who has worked in marketing for over 30 years, says it is the one building in town that really stands out and could attract attention and visitors to the town.
He said: "My idea is to create something very different and to get people's attention. Northampton has lots of good things going on that people don't know about. This is a real opportunity to make something of this, rather than just knock it down."
After carrying out extensive checks on the condition of the tower, researchers at the University of Northampton's lift technology department are wanting to hear from residents, businesses and academics on what should happen to the tower.
Anyone with proposals for a commercial use for the former Express Lift Tower can email lift-tower@northampton.ac.uk by Monday, March 5, 2007.
The Chron wants to hear YOUR ideas for the lift tower
Should it be developed or would you like to see it pulled down? You can write to Lift Tower Ideas, Chronicle & Echo, Upper Mounts, Northampton NN1 3HR, or email letters@northantsnews.co.uk
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