Northampton Town Centre redevelopment deal signed

12.00.00am GMT Tue 17th Nov 2009

An artist's impression of what the new-look Grosvenor Centre could look like.

Lib Dem-run Northampton Borough Council has agreed a landmark deal with Legal & General binding the developer to push ahead with the redevelopment of Northampton's Grosvenor Centre and Greyfriars bus station.

As part of a multi-million Pound town centre overhaul, historic pedestrian routes across the town would be complemented by a open and covered shopping areas, better car parking and modernised bus facilities to replace the outdated bus station.

Legal & General will now work with the Council to set priorities for the venture before a planning application is submitted. Northampton's biggest ever public consultation will form part of the work, involving businesses, bus companies and the public.

Responding to the news, Lib Dem Cabinet member for Planning & Regeneration, Cllr. Richard Church said:

"I am delighted that we now have a binding deal with L&G. It is a significant step forward towards a better, brighter town centre.

"The deal is a huge commitment by one of the country's largest corporate developers in Northampton's future and is doubly impressive given the state of the economy.

"The Lib Dems want Northampton to be a town with a stronger sense of identity, community and civic pride. Better shopping facilities and public transport facilities are a must, not an optional extra.

"There is still a huge amount of work that needs to be done before work gets under way, but this is good news."

Commenting on the news Scott Collins, Parliamentary candidate for South Northamptonshire, said "This is fantastic news, not just for the areas of Northampton now part of the South Northants constituency (East and West Hunsbury and Nene Valley) but also for wider Northamptonshire.

This is just another example of the the Liberal Democrats to re invigorate Northampton and make Northampton a destination for shoppers and businesses across the country and also the confidence a major developer has in our ambitions for the town"