Plans have been announced to make more of Northampton’s rich history by exposing more of the remains of the town’s castle near to the railway station.
Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire County Council, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, Friends of Northampton Castle and the Churches Conservation Trust want to create a ‘heritage gateway’ for visitors to walk through on their way to the town centre.
The project could involve the construction of a history centre near to St Peter’s Church and greater excavation and presentation of the remains of Northampton Castle.
Marie Dickie, chairman of Friends of Northampton Castle, said she was “very excited” about the proposals and would be supporting any plans for a heritage gateway.
She said: “The plans are for a heritage centre on Marefair outside St Peter’s Church and the heritage gateway could also showcase the remains for the castle.
“It’s good to see the council and the WNDC are taking on the project and a lot more detailed work needs to be done.
“Land ownership needs to be established and plans drawn up but we will be right by the council’s side cheering them on all the way.”
Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council said more needed to be done to celebrate the importance of Northampton through the ages.
He said: “Through Northampton Alive and our Enterprise Zone it is easy to see our town has a bright future, but just how much do people know of our rich heritage? We have the opportunity to make a feature of our heritage and attract more visitors to our town.”
The proposals will be further discussed by the borough council in the New Year.
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