Covering brownfield land along the River Nene, the St Peter’s Waterside scheme could eventually include up to 40,000 sq m of office space, creating thousands of new jobs. To support the development, WNDC has formally commenced a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) – a legal power that allows them to acquire land without the owner’s consent.

The CPO has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, while notices have been served on the current owners of the land. It is the second CPO that the government regeneration body has commenced in the Enterprise Zone.

Announced by Government in August 2011, the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone covers 120 hectares of predominantly Brownfield land along the River Nene. It is led by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), and aims to build on local strengths in high performance technologies. 

Chris Garden, WNDC’s Director of Regeneration said: “The redevelopment of St Peter’s Waterside is one of WNDC’s key priorities. This Compulsory Purchase Order will support our plans to regenerate the area, breathing new life into underused land along the River Nene and creating new jobs.

“Together with the local authorities, it is just one of the exciting town centre schemes we’re helping to deliver, which range from the new Castle Railway Station to the expansion of the Grosvenor Centre” 

The CPO covers land between the site of the recently approved Innovation Centre and the town centre gasholders. WNDC has already acquired a significant amount of land in the area, including the residential properties on Tanner St. However, the Order is designed to acquire small areas of land in unknown ownership, as well as the site of the old Malthouse on St Peter’s Way, which was demolished by the current landowners in 2007 and has been vacant ever since.

The CPO does not include the town centre gasholders, which are owned by National Grid and technically still operational. A final decision by the Secretary of State is anticipated by the end of the year.

The iCon Innovation Centre, which opened in Daventry last year, has won a British Council for Offices Award.  It was successful in the ‘Best Commercial Workplace’ category at the Midlands ceremony and will now go forward to the national final in October.

Designed by Consarc Architects, the state-of-the-art building provides office accommodation and support for firms working in green technologies. It includes 54 business incubation units for start-up companies, public exhibition spaces, conferencing facilities for 300 people and a café.

Its highly progressive, low carbon design includes a natural ventilation system and ‘phase change’ panels in the ceiling that can absorb or emit heat, depending on the temperature.  In addition, the central atrium acts as a heat store during winter and provides ventilation in the summer. Its roof is made of an inflatable ‘ETFE’ membrane, a high performance material which has been used on renowned developments including the Eden project.

The 4000 sq m, £8.5m scheme was led by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, and constructed by Winvic Build. It is now owned and operated by the University of Northampton.

Chris Garden, WNDC’s Director of Regeneration said: “Since being completed, the iCon has become a popular and critically acclaimed local landmark. Most importantly, it has started to attract new and innovative businesses to the area, which see the iCon as a fitting home for their operations. We’re sure it will be a success for years to come”

Liz Pickard, Consarc Architects’ Managing Director said:  “I am delighted the British Council for Offices has recognised that this modest building has set the pace for speculative office construction. The project set out to inform and educate the industry through its low carbon approach, new methods of superstructure and built in building monitoring equipment and post occupancy evaluation. To that goal, it has more than exceeded itself.”

The iCon was funded by a partnership including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC). Daventry District Council and Northamptonshire County Council donated the land for the project.

The transformation of Northampton Castle Railway Station is going ahead after the Government announced a £10m investment in the scheme.

Located within the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone, the new station will support continued economic growth in the town. It will be twice the size of the existing building, which is already at capacity during peak hours.

Recognising Northampton’s economic potential, Central Government has pledged to invest £10m in the station. Other partners, including Network Rail and Northamptonshire County Council, will meet the remainder of the £20m development costs.

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation has led the station development plans. WNDC’s Chairman John Markham said: “This announcement is fantastic news for Northamptonshire, as well as the wider region. It is the culmination of over 5 years hard work to make this vital and complex scheme a reality.  The new station will be a modern gateway to Northampton, and support new development in the Waterside Enterprise Zone. This investment reflects the Government’s confidence in the area as a leading economic growth location.”

Cllr Jim Harker, Leader of Northamptonshire County Council, said: “The redevelopment of Castle Station is a key element in the regeneration of Northampton and in bringing prosperity to the county as a whole. The county council is pleased to be playing a key part in the project, working with partners to bring it forward today. Castle Railway Station is the principal gateway to Northampton and it is right that we should all work together to give it the importance and status that it needs to attract inward investment and create a prosperous economy.”

Jo Kaye, Network Rail route managing director, said: “Northampton is a growing town and as the number of people and businesses that rely on rail continues to rise, it’s right that they have a station fit for the future. The improvements planned for Northampton station will help create jobs, drive and support continued economic growth in the area and make travelling by train an easier and more pleasant experience for passengers. We have built a strong working relationship with WNDC and we will continue to work with them on this project for the benefit of rail users and the local community.”

Cllr David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news that shows what can be achieved through the strength of our shared commitment to the growth of Northampton.  It underlines the confidence that exists at a national level in our ability to deliver the vision for the town’s future – we are not just making plans for regeneration, we are seeing them come to life.”

Brian Binley, MP for Northampton South said: “This is incredible news and proves that Northampton is alive. We have to sell the Enterprise Zone globally and that means selling Northampton as well. If the first impression of any business leader coming to our town is of our present station, then that won’t help us much.

“A new station will help us attract businesses from around the world, which in itself will change the fabric and stature of our town for 100 years and provide more opportunities for our young people and those that follow. We have won this investment at one of the most difficult financial times our country has experienced and that shows that Northampton is set for great things”

Outline plans for the new station building were approved in October 2011 and construction is anticipated to start by the end of 2012.  Potential later phases of the development could include a 1,270 space multi-storey car park and a 28,000 sq m office development.

Around 1,500 people visited ‘Northampton Alive’ and spoke to the Leader, Cabinet members and regeneration experts from Northampton Borough Council and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation about development in the town. They were able to learn about progress on the key developments taking place in the town, including the Grosvenor/Greyfriars development; Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone; Castle Station, St John’s and Avon Nunn Mills.

More than 1,000 people also came along to Northamptonshire County Council’s separate drop-in sessions to view the plans for the bus interchange and ask questions of the designers. When added to the in excess of 100 people who came along to the Northampton Alive roadshows held at Northampton Borough Council’s public forums , this takes the total number of people who have benefited to over 2,500.

More Northampton Alive roadshows and events are planned for later in the year.

Cllr David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “We wanted to offer people the opportunity to come in at a time convenient to them to speak to see for themselves how progress is being made and to speak to us in person about the exciting regeneration going on in Northampton. We have had some great feedback and it was great to be able to talk to people and explain how all the plans fit together to shape the town’s future prosperity. This is definitely something we will be doing again.”

Peter Mawson, WNDC’s Chief Executive said: “There is a wide range of improvements coming to Northampton, all of which are part of an exciting bigger picture. Not only has Northampton Alive been able to visualise this future, it has helped local people to learn about progress and have their say. We’re delighted that so many people have been able to attend and get involved in the improvement of their town”

WNDC is inviting expressions of interest from prospective development partners, or consortia, for the Avon Nunn Mills site. Prominently positioned near Northampton town centre, the 20 hectare site overlooks the River Nene and historic parkland.

Led by WNDC, a major mixed-use scheme is planned for the brownfield site, which includes a disused cosmetics factory and a former power station. The first phase of development can comprise up-to 20,000 sq m gross commercial floorspace, with the potential for up to 1,250 residential units in later phases.

The University of Northampton has expressed an interest in the site as a potential location for a new campus. As a result, the selection of a partner will be based on a proposed phase of development that can be implemented with or without a University campus on site.

Peter Mawson, WNDC’s Chief Executive said:  “With its riverfront location, infrastructure links, and proximity to Northampton town centre, Avon Nunn Mills is a flagship development opportunity.  Locally, the redevelopment of this area has been a long-standing priority and strong progress has already been made. This ranges from the award winning Avon Cosmetics European Headquarters to the recently completed Northampton Marina. We are looking forward to the next stage of development on this prominent site in the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone.”

Established by Government in 2004, WNDC is supporting the delivery of key regeneration projects in Northampton town centre and is actively promoting the Avon Nunn Mills scheme. It has commenced a Compulsory Purchase Order covering the entirety of the site, which is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

Prospective bidders should contact Chris White, Christopher.white@cbre.com, 0121 627 5578.

The development, which is being jointly promoted by Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Borough Council and WNDC would be located on the site of what is now the Fishmarket and would be a key step in the regeneration of the town centre.

It would enable the demolition of the Greyfriars Bus Station and the subsequent expansion of the Grosvenor Centre.

Its location, on the corner of Drapery, Bradshaw Street and Silver Street will allow easy access to shops, the Market Square, the Royal & Derngate, Castle Station and other town centre attractions and facilities.

The proposal is for 12 bus bays to be located within a new building, which would accommodate ticketing facilities, toilets a café and shops. Seven bus bays would be located at the top of Drapery, with a further two bus bays on Bradshaw Street.

To help develop the design and proposals there has been liaison with current bus station users, bus operators, mobility and older people groups as well as the general public.

Current and potential bus activity has also been analysed to make sure the new interchange is fully fit for purpose both now and in the future.

As part of the planning application process, the proposals will be on display at the One Stop Shop in The Guildhall between 9am and 5pm from Friday, April 20 to Friday, May 4.

The exhibition will also be staffed between Monday, April 23 and Friday, April 27 from 11am to 5pm to give people the opportunity to ask questions about the design.

Chris Garden, WNDC’s Director of Regeneration said:  “The new bus interchange is a key part of a bigger picture.

“Not only will it provide modern facilities for bus passengers, it will support the future redevelopment of the Grosvenor Centre. It is therefore a crucial element of local plans to attract new jobs and investment to the town.”        

Cllr Andre Gonzalez De Savage, county council cabinet member for infrastructure and public protection, said: “The regeneration of Northampton is really starting to gather pace now and the new bus interchange is an integral part of this development as it complements much of the other work which will be taking place.

“For many the bus interchange would be their introduction to the town, so it’s important that we have a building which is bright, clean and welcoming and I believe this is the case with the designs we have here.”

Councillor Tim Hadland, Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning said: “This is something our town needs. We have been working on providing the best environment for regular bus users and visitors to our town centre.

“At the same time we will be freeing up a large area north of the town centre for redevelopment to improve our town centre, which will attract investment and create jobs.”

The bulk of the finance for the project is being provided by West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, which has allocated £4 million.

Northampton Borough Council has contributed £3million with £600,000 coming from the county council.

The plans can also be viewed on Northampton Borough Council’s website www.northampton.gov.uk/planning

Come along to Northampton Alive, a great opportunity to learn about the transformation of Northampton

Monday 23^rd to Saturday 28^th April 2012 at Northampton Guildhall

• See an interactive 3D virtual model of Northampton town centre, showcasing some of the town’s key development projects
• Walk through a giant floor plan of Northampton’s future
• Speak to the Leader of Northampton Borough Council and regeneration experts
• Discover why there’s rarely been  a better time to live, work or invest in Northampton

 Exhibition opening times

•  Monday 23^rd: 10am-5pm
• Tuesday 24^th: 10am-5pm
• Wednesday 25^th: 10am-5pm
• Thursday 26^th: 10am-8pm
• Friday 27^th:  10am-5pm
• Saturday 28^th: 10am -3pm

The Watermeadows has now doubled in size and covers around 60 hectares – which is roughly equivalent to 30 football pitches.

It is one year since the restored medieval Bury Mount and first section of the Watermeadows were officially opened, marking the first phase of the Moat Lane regeneration project.

The latest section of the Watermeadows to go public is situated between the Silverstone Brook and Towcester Racecourse and is accessible by bridge from the previously opened section to the west.

Cllr Dermot Bambridge, South Northamptonshire Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Waste, said:  “The Watermeadows and Bury Mount have already become a really popular place for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy.  This further stretch of land, which lies beside the River Tove and has wonderful views across Towcester race course, is a really welcome addition to the town’s recreational facilities.”

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation has invested over £6.5m in the Moat Lane scheme. This includes supporting the acquisition and restoration of the Water Meadows.

Val Conway, WNDC’s Commercial Development Executive said: “The Watermeadows are a crucial part of the plans to transform Towcester town centre.  This historic open parkland will complement the high quality offices, homes and shops that are planned for the Moat Lane area. Located in the very heart of the town, the Watermeadows will be used by local people for generations to come”

Lord Smith will be joined by dignitaries from the organisations which helped to develop and fund the creation of the £2.5-million facility, including WNDC.

Andy Baxendale, Environment Agency Area Manager (Northern), said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with our partners to complete this exciting project which will provide a navigation hub for Northampton, the primary gateway to the Nene Valley.

“The moorings will attract boaters using the Grand Union Canal to travel towards the Fens of East Anglia and should form the basis of a bright future forNorthampton’s waterside area.”

The Environment Agency constructed the marina on behalf of the Becket’s Park Partnership on land donated by Northampton Borough Council. The Partnership is made up of the six funding organisations, including WNDC which provided £1.8m towards the cost of the new marina.

WNDC’s Chairman John Markham said: “The new marina is a crucial step in the long term renaissance of Northampton’s waterside. Working with the local authorities, WNDC is transforming disused land along the River Nene in the Enterprise Zone, creating new places for people to live and work. It is part of an exciting plan to attract new jobs and investment to the town.”

Councillor Tim Hadland, Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, enterprise and planning, said: “For years the Nene has been one of our town’s hidden treasures. But more and more people are discovering that our riverside is the perfect place to relax thanks to the new marina and improvements along its banks from Sixfields to Midsummer Meadows.”

Northampton marina offers 80 moorings, six of which are for residential use. The remaining 74 berths are for short-term visitors and pleasure craft requiring long-term leases.

There are plans for a major redevelopment of the wider waterside area, including new homes and offices. In addition, later phases of the Becket’s Park project may include new landscaping, lighting, cafés and restaurants to provide a busy, exciting link between the town centre and the waterside.

Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd has been confirmed as the development partner for Towcester’s Moat Lane regeneration scheme. Fulfilling the vision for the historic market town, the development will include a new civic building, with council offices, as well as new shops and homes.

Councillor Rebecca Breese, SNC’s portfolio holder with responsibility for the Moat Lane redevelopment, said: “The fact that we have been able to negotiate this development in the current economic climate is excellent news for Towcester. I hope everyone will join me in welcoming this move and looking forward to what it offers the town.”

Ernie Battey, managing director of Morgan Sindall Investments said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to partner with the council to fulfil their long standing vision for the regeneration of Moat Lane.

“Positioned at the very heart of this historic town, we understand how important this project is for the community and look forward to delivering this high-quality development with our sister companies Lovell and Morgan Sindall and developer Clayson Country Homes.”

With preparatory work commencing straight away, the scheme should be complete within four to five years. The civic building should be ready by spring 2014, providing the council with annual savings of £220,000 from lower running costs and income from rental and facility bookings.

WNDC has invested over £6.5m in the Moat Lane scheme. Peter Mawson, WNDC’s Chief Executive, said: “The development of Towcester town centre will create new jobs and support the long term prosperity of the area.

“The Moat Lane plans have attracted national design awards and are intended to showcase the historic core of the town alongside modern new facilities. As a key investor in the project, we are delighted that a development partner has been secured.”