Vital junction improvements between Northampton’s London Road and Ransome Road have been completed. The improvements, which started in May, have enhanced capacity and safety at the junction, which is on a key route into Northampton town centre. As a result, a major redevelopment of a nearby Brownfield site can go ahead.

Owned by the Homes and Communities Agency, the Ransome Road development site covers disused land, including a former landfill facility. However, it is set to be transformed, with plans for up to 800 high quality new homes which will breathe new life into the area. The site is linked to wider plans for Northampton Waterside, including the land around Avon Cosmetics’ headquarters and the old Nunn Mills power station.

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation funded the £2.3m junction improvements as part of its waterside regeneration programme. The HCA invested £450,000 in land acquisitions and utilities diversions to help enable the improvements.

Chris Garden, WNDC’s Director of Regeneration said: “These junction improvements are an important piece in the jigsaw for the redevelopment of Northampton’s Waterside. Over time, they will support the development of new homes, offices and community facilities on disused land along the River Nene.”

The improvements were delivered through Northamptonshire County Council and have created a wider junction, with a new alignment and upgraded traffic signals. The junction also includes a new and improved crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

Cllr Andre Gonzalez De Savage, Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for infrastructure and public protection, said: “Increased and safe access to the businesses, as well as improvements to one of Northampton’s main gateways, is a real bonus for pedestrians and vehicle users. The project has progressed well and I’m delighted that it will be completed before the busy Christmas shopping period. We encourage residents and visitors to use the businesses new and established, and see for themselves the new improvements.”

WNDC’s planning committee approved an application for up to 800 new homes on the Ransome Road site in 2010. The revised junction will directly enable the first phase of development, comprising up to 450 new homes. Subsequent phases of development are subject to the construction of the Nunn Mills Development Road, which WNDC approved in August 2011.

Anthony Sowden, Area Manager for the HCA, said: “The junction improvements have the wider benefit of allowing the Ransome Road site to be opened up for development. The first phase of clean-up on site will be completed in the New Year, and we hope to be able to agree a preferred developer in the spring. The development will play a major part in bolstering the long term economic growth of the area by providing jobs and investment, as well as quality housing to attract new employees.”

Related posts:

1. Northampton junction improvements get the green light
2. New road will kick-start Northampton waterside scheme
3. Land acquisition will unlock waterside development
4. Fresh future for rundown Northampton site
5. WNDC funding kick-starts major development in Northampton town centre