Business as normal! Work starts on multi-million revamp of St Giles Street in Northampton

The project will take about 15 months to complete and work will stop between October and January next year to allow traders to maximise Christmas trade. Roads will be closed and traffic diverted at certain periods and road closures will be advertised in advance.

A spokeswoman for Northampton Borough Council said the work will include new paving, lighting and tree planting, similar to the changes made to Guildhall Road. Fish Street and St Giles Square will also be getting a makeover.

“While improvement work takes place, roads will be closed and traffic diverted during the various stages – road users are advised to check on closures and diversions and carefully follow the road signage around the area,” the spokesman said.

“The bus stop in St Giles Street will be re-located to Derngate and car parking spaces will not be available – motorists looking to shop in St Giles Street are advised to use the parking bays in Abington Street, the Ridings car park, or the town centre multi-storey car parks (these allow two hours free parking on weekdays, free at weekends).

“The street will be fully open to pedestrians, and all businesses will be open as usual while the work takes place,” he added.

Councillor Mary Markham, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “It is business as usual on St Giles Street and at all of the fantastic businesses that helped to earn the street the Great British High Street title last year.

“There will, of course, be some disruption while the improvement work takes place but shoppers and pedestrians will have access to the street at all times, and we are in regular liaison with businesses, keeping them informed of what is planned, when and where.”

For more details about the scheme, visit www.northampton.gov.uk/StGilesSt