Redevelopment of Castle railway station is pivotal to the future prosperity of the area, providing a business and communications hub for the whole county. 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Station is already at capacity during peak hours, while the station building and its associated facilities are out-of-date, and a constraint to economic growth.

Using modern, iconic design, WNDC is working with partners to redevelop the station. The scheme is being brought forward on a phased basis. Phase one will see the provision of a new station building, as well as a multi-storey car park. Phase two will deliver new commercial development on the existing car park site.

An outline masterplan for the station is complete and WNDC has committed £900,000 to develop an outline design for the new station and car park. Northamptonshire County Council, through Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited the county’s economic development agency, have pledged £350,000.

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.