Empty block of Northampton flats to be redeveloped then purchased by borough council

Beaumont House, on Billing Road, dates back to the 1960s.

Leader of the council Jonathan Nunn has approved the acquisition and redevelopment of Beaumont House in order to provide a total of 60 apartments.

The apartments, which would feature 14 one-bedroom and 46 two-bedroom units, would then be let to eligible households on the housing register.

The purchase of the empty office block – which is on Billing Road and dates back to the 1960s – is to be funded through the council’s Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme.

An artist's sketch of how the redeveloped building would look.

The owner of Beaumont House had already secured planning permission to build the flats, and it is proposed that it is purchased and redeveloped under what is known as a ‘Turnkey’ arrangement. This means that the owner will sell the property but will still carry out the works to develop the property through to completion.

A council report says this is ‘appropriate’ as the owner has ‘better knowledge’ of the property and has already undertaken surveys and design work. Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH), on behalf of the council, would take over once the scheme is complete.

The report adds: “The scheme is an excellent opportunity to increase Northampton’s supply of affordable rented accommodation – in a sustainable location and within a relatively short timescale – and help to reduce, directly and indirectly, the use and cost of temporary accommodation.”

Councillor Nunn approved the decision under the council’s constitutional powers on ‘key executive decisions’ – which are being taken in the absence of council meetings due to the current coronavirus pandemic.If contracts are exchanged in June 2020 as anticipated then the redevelopment can start in July and would take roughly a year to complete.

Writing about his executive decision, Councillor Nunn said: “As an acquisition that has been under consideration for some time now, the council’s officers are to be congratulated for successfully reaching this point in this project, which will make a significant contribution to the provision of more much-needed public housing.”