Project to transform derelict area of Towcester shortlisted for prestigious national award

The development which transformed a derelict portion of Towcester town centre has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

The Moat Lane regeneration project has been shortlisted in the mixed-use category at the Planning Awards 2020.

Dermot Bambridge, South Northamptonshire Council's portfolio holder for environmental services and Moat Lane Project Board chairman, believes the nomination is much-deserved.

“A dead-end at one side, a derelict petrol station at the other and an overgrown scheduled ancient monument smack in the middle, it’s difficult to imagine a better reason for redevelopment," he said.

“Now we have a thriving residential community and a growing number of retailers, all linked together by The Forum, the council’s home for the last four years which includes a state-of-the-art library and the county’s registrar service.

“We think we have made excellent use of a difficult space and it is pleasing to see our peers have seen fit to judge our regeneration project alongside some of the most exciting developments in the country.”

The Moat Lane scheme began in 2009 with the acquisition of Towcester Watermeadows.

Once 58 acres of private land owned by the Easton Neston Estate, they are now a focal point for dog walkers and families and are a haven for wildlife.

The work also saw the restoration of Bury Mount, the remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle.

Dozens of homes have been built and a new retail thoroughfare was created in Whittons Lane.

More shops and homes are being built on the corner of Watling Street and Northampton Road, which are expected to be completed by early 2022.

Lockdown permitting, the Planning Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in September.