10 June 2009

The team creating safe, attractive and more pedestrian friendly streets in Northampton town centre has been nominated for a top national award.

MGWSP and their subcontractor Aggregate Industries have been carrying out the public realm improvements from Black Lion Hill through Marefair and Gold Street.  The improvements are part of a wider strategy to improve the environment and facilities in Northampton town centre, making it a better place to live, work, visit and invest. To minimize disruption to traders on Gold Street, the contractors have had regular meetings with traders, issued newsletters and employed an on-site liaison officer to deal with queries and issues.

This approach has impressed inspectors from the ‘considerate constructors’ team, who gave the project a score of 4.5 out of 5 against 8 categories, including cleanliness and safety. Winners of the award will be announced next February.       Reg Taylor, local trader from Rockbottom Furniture Warehouse said;

“Contractors have been brilliant and co operative. There was disturbance, of course, but Gold Street looks better than before and the pedestrian access is much better and hopefully will improve business and bring more people down”

Norma Foster, local trader from Marvee Café said;

“Work is going well and the contractors are great and if there is a problem all I have to do is ask and they have helped. Hopefully the new work and the improved look will bring new business and shoppers to the Gold Street and the shops and cafes can take advantage of the improvements”

Paul Symeou, local trader from Orius Mens Hair said;

“It’s been very interesting and educational watching the work taking place and any disruption is worth it. Broader pavements do make Gold Street better and now it is starting to shape up the street has more appeal. Gold Street was always busy but hopefully will get even busier. There has been great communication throughout the work and the liaison officer on site has been a great help”.

Winners of the awards will be announced in January 2010. The Public Realm works are being funded by West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) and Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited and delivered by Northamptonshire County Council in partnership with Northampton Borough Council.

Ref: WNDC 203

Media enquiries: Iain Andrews 01604 586636 iain.andrews@wndc.org.uk

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