Northampton town centre keyworkers to be offered new affordable homes planned for derelict office block

A housing development that will regenerate a derelict office block in Northampton will provide keyworkers with new homes.

Planning permission was granted last week to turn Belgrave House, in Greyfriars, which is a disused nine-storey office block, into 122 new homes.

Flats within the development, which will be renamed ‘The Clock House’, will be offered to key workers who work within walking distance of the town centre.

Two additional storeys will be added to the development and there will be 70 one-bed and 52 two-bed flats available for people working in the town centre’s retail and leisure outlets, as well as those who provide vital services such as nurses, firefighters and teachers.

Helen Town, assistant director of asset management and development for Northampton Partnership Homes, said: “Affordable housing for those who provide essential services to the people of Northampton is something we’ve been looking to address for some time.

“The vital work keyworkers carry out has been in the spotlight during the Covid-19 outbreak, and we’re thrilled to be able to start work on this development.

“We were particularly keen to find a town centre location to help make an impact on the local economy.

“We love our town and are really excited about the opportunities this scheme offers the people who work hard to keep it safe, healthy and vibrant, and may otherwise struggle to afford market rents.”

NPH and Northampton Borough Council are hoping the major development, which will be energy efficiency with solar panels installed on the roof alongside its rooftop garden, will help with the regeneration of the town centre.

The outside of the building will have stained glass and varnished metal applied from top to bottom, with a clock tower that will light up at night, creating a landmark in the town.

Helen Town added: “So many key places to work will be in walking distance: the hospital, fire station, shopping centres, pubs, businesses, food outlets... public or private sector, we want to give workers the opportunity to live in town. And if people live in town, they are more likely to spend in town too.”

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