Ground investigations begin at former Northampton bus station site

The delivery of the Greyfriars site in Northampton town centre has moved one step closer as on-site ground investigations begin.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Nov 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 17:15 BST

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Council leader, Cllr Jonathan Nunn, inspecting the work being carried out by R G Carters ground investigation team with project manager Edmond Calnan.Council leader, Cllr Jonathan Nunn, inspecting the work being carried out by R G Carters ground investigation team with project manager Edmond Calnan.
Council leader, Cllr Jonathan Nunn, inspecting the work being carried out by R G Carters ground investigation team with project manager Edmond Calnan.

Following Northampton Borough Council’s selection of its preferred developer, Greyfriars Quarter Developments Ltd, in September the company is undertaking various site checks during November.

These will assist the preparation of a planning application for a leisure hub with a new multiplex cinema of up to eight screens, or a family entertainment centre and trampolining centre.

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Council leader, Councillor Jonathan Nunn, said: “It’s great to see the company making a start on site investigations, which further demonstrates their confidence in taking the scheme forward.

“We believe the scheme will be of huge benefit to Northampton, bringing more people to live in the area, and creating some fantastic facilities which will tie it into the wider town centre.”

It is likely that Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet will be asked to consider a formal development agreement with Greyfriars Quarter Developments Ltd early next year.

Immediately after would come a detailed design, which would lead to a planning application.

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During the next fortnight, the developer’s construction partner, R G Carter, has arranged for its in-house soils investigation company to bore piles over 20-metres deep.

The soil conditions will be analysed to ensure that the scheme is designed as efficiently as possible, ensuring best value.

It will also help determine the type of construction.

Tim Holmes of Greyfriars Quarter Developments, said: “Following our selection as the council’s partner in September, we are pleased to be making good progress on all fronts.

“In order to meet the delivery programme, we have commissioned Carter to carry out the technical due diligence like these soil surveys, commissioned Bidwells to coordinate the preparation of the planning application, and Peter Brett Associates to start the Highway design. This is all in tandem with documenting the legal arrangements.”

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The ‘scheme one’ plan would also see casual dining restaurants, retail kiosks, flats, student apartments, a gym, a 110-bed four star hotel and a new coach station built.

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Related topics:Jonathan NunnNorthamptonApple