Former Co-Op building in Towcester to be demolished for extended car park

The empty retail store on Richmond Road, which was built in the 1980s, had fallen into a state of disrepair. It was purchased by South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) last year and will now be bulldozed so the 92 space car park can offer 152 spaces instead.

The scheme had originally been for 161 spaces, but after conversations with stakeholders the decision was taken to retain the public toilets on the site. Although they are currently not being used, they will now be reopened in the future.

Meanwhile a pedestrian crossing will be added to the entrance, and the Sponne Shopping Centre thoroughfare will remain unaffected.

Councillors on SNC’s planning committee quickly backed the application unanimously when they met virtually on Thursday (October 29). They were told the extra spaces, which will also include a number of bays for electric vehicles, would help ‘relieve’ parking issues on the streets surrounding the car park.

Councillor Martin Johns, a member of the planning committee, said: “I fully support this application, and I welcomed the council purchasing the site. It’s much needed in Towcester and the inclusion of electric charging points and the retention of the toilets are to be welcomed too.”