Land purchase to kick-start Waterside scheme
There has been a major breakthrough in plans to redevelop a large area of derelict, former industrial land along the River Nene.
Located near Northampton town centre, the Avon and Nunn Mills sites are within Northampton’s Enterprise zone, which aims to attract new jobs and investment to the town.
To secure their future, the Board of West Northamptonshire Development Corporation has approved the start of a Compulsory Purchase Order – a legal power that allows them to acquire land without the owner’s consent.
The Brownfield land includes the disused Avon Cosmetics Factory and the old Nunn Mills power station. It also includes an area of land that is currently in unknown ownership, which is a constraint to development and is required for a new road through the site.
Chris Garden, WNDC’s Director of Regeneration said: “The Avon and Nunn Mills sites are at the forefront of local plans to regenerate Northampton’s waterside. Situated next to the River Nene on a key gateway into the town centre, they are an ideal location for high quality new offices, homes and community facilities.
“The CPO will allow us to progress the transformation of the area, attracting vital new jobs and investment to Northampton”
Initial development has already taken place in the area, with Avon Cosmetics’ European Headquarters opened in 2009, and the Becket’s Park Marina completed earlier this year.
In addition, preparations have been made to ensure the necessary infrastructure will be in place to support further development. The Nunn Mills development road was approved by WNDC’s planning committee in August 2011, while work to enhance capacity at the junction between London road and Junction road was completed in November. 
Arrangements for the Compulsory Purchase Order will begin this month, and it is due to be formally made in February next year. It will be followed by a public inquiry and a decision by the Secretary of State later in the year.
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