Ideas for regenerating the town centre (Northampton Liberal Democrats)

Northampton Liberal Democrats <info@northamptonlibdems.org.uk>

Ideas for regenerating the town centre

July 29, 2008 11:28 PM

Northampton Borough Council's Liberal Democrat Cabinet will be discussing exciting new concepts that could breathe new life into the southern part of the town centre.

A report proposing a new vision for the St John's area of the town centre has been commissioned by Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire County Council and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation. The 'Northampton - Bridge Street / St John's / Angel Street Masterplan' report will go before the borough council's cabinet on Monday 4 August.

Independent authors of the report have set out a number of concepts that could see Angel Street, Bridge Street and St John's transformed into a high quality business, cultural and shopping district. The report details a wide range of opportunities that could be used to shape the area over the next 20 years.

Cllr. Richard Church

Councillor Richard Church, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for regeneration said, "The report is a good starting point and shows how we might unlock the potential of the St John's area. There is still a lot more work to be done. We must look carefully at the options and look at how the ideas can become achievable projects."

"This work supports the existing work on the Chrysalis Centre and will promote the development of under-utilised land adjacent to the Derngate. I hope we can use this report to start the discussion about how we can make the most of our town centre as a place for people to live, work and enjoy their free time. There is a lot to be excited about, but this vision is only the beginning of what may become a significant long-term project."

Letters are now being sent out to everyone in the area and the report will go to Northampton Borough Council's cabinet committee where it is anticipated that the cabinet will open up the discussion and invite views from residents and businesses. The report could also form an important part in the Central Area Action Plan which will help to guide the future development of the whole town centre.