Redevelopment of Northampton Rail Station takes a step closer
28 June 2010
A specialist team has been appointed to design the redevelopment
of Northampton’s Castle Rail Station, which is set to provide an
iconic gateway to the town, along with more capacity and better
facilities. Hyder Consulting, in partnership with BDP
Architects, has been appointed by Network Rail and West
Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC), the body
delivering new jobs, homes and investment in the west of
Northamptonshire. They are working with key partners, including
Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited, and the local authorities to
drive the redevelopment forward.
Strategically located at the centre of England, Northampton is
part of the UK’s fastest growing sub-region. However, studies show
that Northampton Station is already at capacity during peak hours,
while the station building and its associated facilities are
out-of-date, and a constraint to economic growth.
The planned redevelopment includes a new station building, a
multi-storey car park, new footbridge and platform canopies,
together with new approach roads and associated junction
improvements. Later phases of the scheme will include a commercial
development on land surrounding the station.
WNDC has committed £900,000 to move the project forward,
including its outline design. Northamptonshire County Council,
through Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited the county’s economic
development agency, has pledged £350,000.
WNDC Chief Executive, Peter Mawson said: “The redevelopment of
Northampton Station will be a catalyst for economic growth in
Northampton and its surroundings. It is a complex, long term
project, but WNDC is making the necessary investment now to ensure
future delivery. The new station will be a much more
inspiring gateway to Northampton, while providing a step change in
facilities. We are delighted to be working with Network Rail
and Hyder and are confident that they will deliver an exciting,
21st century design, that meets the needs of rail passengers and
local people alike”.
Paul Southworth, Chair of Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited said:
“We’re excited to see these appointments and plans moving
Northampton another step closer to a modern, iconic train station
for the town and the county, improving already enviable transport
infrastructure for residents, businesses and visitors alike. The
redevelopment of Northampton Rail Station will also pave the way
for further commercial development of a prime location, creating
jobs and improving the local economy.”
Hyder’s Managing Director for Rail, Mac Alghita said: “In the
current economic climate we will use our rail expertise to deliver
an affordable world class scheme through simplicity and innovation.
We aim to delight WNDC, Network Rail and the people of
Northampton.”
Hyder’s Project Director, Andrew Dugdale said: “Hyder and BDP
have immediately got to work, ensuring the project maximises value
for money. By challenging the boundaries and thinking laterally we
have achieved significant savings while enhancing the gateway
appearance. We will be enhancing the entire station experience for
passengers and staff with a fully integrated design.”
The development of an outline design will build on previous work
undertaken by WNDC and its partners. This includes the station
masterplan, which was completed by BDP in October 2009. The design
team has reviewed the masterplan and identified opportunities to
make better use of available space and enable a more cost effective
scheme. This includes repositioning the development so passengers
can use the existing station during construction rather than a
temporary one. This will help to minimise disruption and
construction costs.
In addition, the planned station will increase from 2 storeys to
3, and move to a more prominent position closer to Black Lion Hill.
The outline design phase, otherwise known ‘GRIP Stage 4’ in Network
Rail’s investment project lifecycle, is due to be complete by the
end of 2010.