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.

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