NEL Project Funding Update

Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd has approved a £780,000 contribution to a £7million multi-agency investment into public realm improvements in Northampton town centre.

 

The project is being led by Northamptonshire County Council, in conjunction with West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC). In addition to Single Programme funding from Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd the project is being co-funded from CLG's Growth Area Funding.

 

Northampton is at the heart of the proposed growth for the county as a result of the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Growth Agenda. In order to achieve the levels of anticipated housing and jobs growth, a key requirement is to ensure that the county town has the right climate to attract investment that will support both housing and employment growth.

 

The project is focused on increasing economic activity and addressing commercial underperformance in parts of the town centre as part of a coherent package of town centre improvements. This project will complete the transformation of Black Lion Hill, Marefair, Doddridge Square and Gold Street from a traffic dominated area with poor pedestrian facilities to a high quality public space servicing major retail areas, an entertainment complex and offices.

 

The Public Realm improvements are part of a wider multi-partnership strategy for regeneration and growth in the town centre that seeks to attract more investment and reinforce its sense of place and identity. An improved public realm will contribute to the town's growth and will make Northampton more vibrant and appealing, as well as rightfully act as the catalyst for wider sub-regional growth given its status as the county town.