Will The Moon rise again?: Plans revealed to breathe new life into Northampton market square pub

A former pub on Northampton's market square could be revived as a bar and restaurant with a block of flats on the upper floors.

The Moon of the Square closed in 2017 to the shock of many Northampton residents, who remember it for its huge floorspace, conservatory and long trip up the stairs just to use the loos.

The building has been left to wrack and ruin ever since - but now, a plan has been put to the borough council to redevelop the Moon into a smaller drinking establishment with space for 13 flats on the upper floors.

It would include limiting the proposed bar/restaurant on the ground to approximately 150 square metres - which would mean it would end next to the short flight of stairs next to the bar used to be.

It would also mean demolishing the conservatory at the back of the old pub.

Meanwhile, the upper floors - which used to be office space - would be converted into eight one-bed flats and five two-bed flats.

There would, however, be no parking options for the proposed apartments.

It comes as neighbouring former nightclub Balestra is currently being converted into 69 student studio flats while the ground floor is converted into a World Buffet restaurant.

Meanwhile, the market square outside has been the focus of a large-scale plan by the borough council to bid for Government funding and create a new hub for the town centre, with a water feature, new stalls and seating.

And, to the north of Market Square, the former Belvoir House offices are set to be converted into 124 'key worker' flats.

A consultation on the plans is open until October 28.