West Northamptonshire Development Corporation is set to use its specialist regeneration powers to enable a landmark waterside development in Northampton.

At a meeting on 21^st September, the Corporation’s Board agreed to commence a compulsory purchase order (CPO), a legal power that allows certain organisations to obtain land without the owner’s consent, in an effort to open up the wider area for development, providing new jobs, homes and investment along the River Nene.

The Corporation will start the CPO process to acquire a strip of land that is in unknown ownership at the site of the former Nunn Mills power station and Avon Cosmetics site. The land will become part of a new road to be constructed on the site, facilitating regeneration and development of these sites. A new road is set to be constructed on this land, which will open up the wider area for development, providing new jobs, homes and investment along the River Nene.

WNDC is acting on behalf of key landowners in the area including Avon Cosmetics, Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes, as well as the Homes and Communities Agency whose adjacent Ransome Road scheme will link to the proposed new road.

WNDC Chief Executive, Peter Mawson said: “This part of Northampton is ideally located next to the River Nene and the under construction Becket’s Park marina. At the moment it is a huge area of brownfield land, but has the potential to become one of the town’s proudest features. It is a very complex project, and a lot of work is required to make the land suitable for development. By using our specialist powers and working with the landowners, we hope to turn the exciting vision for this area into a reality”

Anna Segatti, Vice President of Avon, West Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “Avon has led the regeneration of the area with our landmark office building, where we’re currently celebrating our first anniversary. We’re looking forward to seeing the wider regeneration of the area progress in the near future.”

The development area comprises three sites, separated By Nunn Mills road and a railway line. This includes the former Nunn Mills power station, the former Avon cosmetics factory, and the Ransome road development site.

WNDC’s Planning Committee granted approval for up to 800 new homes at the Ransome Road site earlier this month, and the Corporation will be investing up to £2.3m in junction improvements at London road to enable the scheme. Together, the three sites could provide up to 2,000 high quality waterside homes, alongside flagship commercial development.

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4. Pontoons will really float the boat at marina development
5. Work begins bringing national cycle network to Northampton waterside