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WNDC funding kick-starts major development in Northampton town centre

20 October 2009

Funding has been awarded for vital junction improvements between Northampton’s London Road and Ransome Road, paving the way for major new development in Northampton town centre.

On 20th October, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) awarded £2.3m of Growth Area Funding to the scheme, which will see the delivery by Northamptonshire County Council of a bigger and safer junction for both pedestrians and vehicles.     

The project will kick-start wider development of Northampton, including work along the waterside, and is part of a long term plan to provide new opportunities for people to live, work and enjoy leisure time along the waterfront of the River Nene. 

It will directly facilitate the delivery of 400 new homes by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) on its adjacent Ransome Road redevelopment site. In parallel with the junction improvements, the HCA is delivering a remediation strategy for the former landfill site and working to secure planning consent for the proposed housing scheme, before seeking a development partner.  

The transformation of this largely derelict site, combined with plans for neighbouring developments adjacent to the new Avon European Headquarters, and the planned Becket’s Park Marina will make a major contribution to the regeneration of Northampton. It is also an integral part of the Central Area action Plan.

Peter Mawson, Chief Executive of WNDC commented: “This part of Northampton town centre has been neglected for too long. However, new development can now be seen in the area, and these junction improvements will start the next phase of its revitalisation. Earlier this year, WNDC committed £1.8m to a new marina at Becket’s Park and is working with partners to bring forward development throughout the area. The future is very bright for Northampton’s waterside.”       

Anthony Sowden, HCA Senior Regeneration Manager, added: “The agreed funding for the junction works at London Road is welcome news. It is an excellent example of the HCA, WNDC and Northamptonshire County Council working in partnership to deliver infrastructure which facilitates future growth.  It will enable the regeneration of the former landfill site and the long term development of additional housing in Northampton.”

The £2.3m investment will require final approval from WNDC’s sponsor Department, Communities and Local Government. It is the latest step in a long running initiative to bring Northampton’s derelict Brownfield land back into use. WNDC has previously helped fund the multi million pound Northampton Brownfield Initiative, which was delivered in partnership by the HCA and Northampton Borough Council. The initiative has focused on the remediation of various locations across the town, preparing them for future development. This has included Ransome Road and South West Sixfields. 

Media Enquiries, Iain Andrews 01604 586636, iain.andrews@wndc.org.uk

Ref: WNDC 222