Eager wait after £37.2m bid to rejuvenate Northampton town centre submitted to government

A bid for £37.2 million to rejuvenate Northampton town centre has been submitted to the government.

Last year, Northampton was selected as one of 101 locations in England invited to develop proposals for a grant worth up to £50 million in exceptional circumstances from the Towns Fund.

Northampton Forward, a group consisting of businesses, community and local government representatives, developed an investment plan to support the bid with a range of projects selected in consultation with the public.

A decision is expected sometime next year before the schemes are developed in further detail involving further engagement with members of the community.

Northampton Forward vice chairman and Tricker's managing director, Martin Mason, said: “The board of Northampton Forward has made sure that our residents and employers have been given the opportunity to influence the future town development plans.

“As a major employer in the town, I am delighted that this submission reflects the views and local opinion in future planning, infrastructure projects and the aspirations we all have for the town and its future prosperity.”

The 'town investment plan' sets out an ambitious plan which would deliver 15,600 square metres of new and refurbished commercial floorspace, 24,900 square metres of new public spaces, and 2,300 square metres of new or expanded cultural and heritage venues, including new space for skills facilities.

Remediation and enabling works for key sites in the town centre to create new public spaces, new mixed-use urban quarters, and commercial facilities.

Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise and Northampton Forward board member, Tim Hadland, said: “A huge amount of time and effort has gone into producing the 'town investment plan'.

“It incorporates the results of our public consultation which identified some clear preferences for which projects residents felt we ought to take forward.

“There are some really ambitious plans here, which build on the work we’ve done with our 'town centre masterplan' and the bid to Future High Streets Fund, which we’re eagerly awaiting the results of.”

The 10-year vision is designed to provide modern spaces for creative businesses to capitalise on the town’s manufacturing and entrepreneurial passion.

It will also build on the rich heritage and cultural offers to rejuvenate the town centre so it once again represents the aspirations of its residents, the council said.

As well as creating high-quality housing, digital infrastructure and open spaces, improve access to skills and training while promoting first-rate higher and further education opportunities.

The £37.2 million investment would be supported by match-funding of £13.5 million from the council, Enterprise Zone, Getting Building Fund and the National Heritage Lottery Fund.