Latest news with #JamesPetter
Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
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Consultation on town's 15-year plan extended
An opportunity for people to have their say on a town's improvement plans has been extended. The consultation in Northampton has already attracted more than 1,300 responses, with the deadline now delayed by a fortnight to Monday, 25 August. A senior councillor said it was a "pivotal moment" and residents could "directly shape" the future of the town. Reform UK-controlled West Northamptonshire Council said suggestions received so far included making Northampton a distinctive leisure destination, which was "better at showcasing its heritage and identity". People also said they wanted the town to be easier and safer to walk and cycle around. When asked what made them proud about Northampton, respondents mentioned its rich history, beautiful historic buildings and shoemaking heritage. A masterplan was revealed last month, outlining several developments that were already taking place in Northampton and setting priorities for the future. Among the ideas were: Turning St James End into a gateway of sport Creating a "key arrival point" around the railway station Regenerating the Cattlemarket into a living and working space Founding a creative district celebrating shoemaking The council's cabinet member for local economy and culture James Petter said: "This is a pivotal moment for Northampton, and your input can directly shape the future of our town centre. "Whether you live, work or spend time here, we want to hear from you." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story People asked to 'reflect pride' in town plans How town centre regeneration projects are progressing Council developing town centre transformation plan Related internet links We are Northampton West Northamptonshire Council
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Northampton bus depot demolition now 70% complete, says council
The demolition of a bus depot where 70 homes will be built is more than 70% complete, according to the local regeneration of the former St James bus depot in Northampton began last a progress update, West Northamptonshire Council said as well the demolition works, 70% of the internal strip-out of buildings and asbestos sheet roof removal had been carried removal of notifiable asbestos, "a critical and carefully managed process which takes considerable time", was 30% complete, the authority said. The site was last used as a transport hub in 2013, before it was sold to a shoe firm by a former council and then bought back by West Northamptonshire Council for double the council received £1.3m from the government's Brownfield Land Release Fund, to enable remediation and site preparation, the council local authority said the regeneration would retain and restore the Grade II-listed transport office, preserving key elements of Northampton's transport heritage. Where feasible, original facades of the early 1900s tram depot will also be retained, maintaining a strong link to the town's Petter, Reform UK cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: "The regeneration of St James Depot is progressing well and remains a key part of our vision to create high-quality homes while recognising Northampton's unique heritage."The council added it would soon begin the process of selecting a development partner for the full scheme, to include supporting infrastructure such as schools and healthcare services. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
20-07-2025
- BBC News
Northampton heritage poles installed on site of former castle
Heritage poles have been installed at a historic site near a town centre that is being transformed into a park. West Northamptonshire Council said the decorated posts would celebrate the "rich and diverse history" of Northampton and be a legacy to the castle that once stood there. Work to create Castle Park on a former car park near the town's railway station began in project, which aims to increase footfall in the area and support local businesses, is due to be completed by late summer. The poles would "guide visitors through centuries of local history, enhancing the cultural experience of the park and connecting key historical landmarks", the council said. The development will feature a castle-themed play area, community garden and a walking trail that follows the footprint of the original Northampton Castle wall. The castle was originally built in 1084 but fell into disrepair and was demolished in council leader, Reform UK councillor James Petter said: "These heritage poles aren't just decoration, they're a statement. A reminder that Northampton's rich heritage and culture matter. "Each pole tells part of our town's story, from industry to royalty, rebellion to resilience." Alistair Weir from contractors Jeakins Weir said the installations were "one of the most visually striking moments so far". "It is great to see the progress we are making on delivering a welcoming, engaging space for the community," he said. "Seeing them in place brings the vision to life in a powerful way."The work has been funded by £1.6m from the government's Towns Fund, developer contributions and the council. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
West Northamptonshire Council launches a draft masterplan
People living and working in a town that is undergoing significant regeneration were being asked to help shape the next 15 years of its development.A town centre masterplan has been drafted for Northampton, and the council wanted businesses, residents and community groups to read it and share their Northamptonshire Council has come up with six aims, including revitalising the riverside, restoring heritage buildings, and providing better business leader James Petter said: "This masterplan is more than just buildings and plans, it's about creating a town centre that reflects the pride, priorities and everyday lives of the people who call Northampton home." He said it was "a once-in-a-generation chance to help shape the future of your town centre".He added: "Whether you live, work, study or simply spend time in Northampton, this is your opportunity to have a real say. Share your ideas. Tell us what matters." Several large regeneration projects were already lined up for Northampton's town centre, such as the newly revitalised Market Square, plans to regenerate Greyfriars, the redevelopment of former M&S and BHS stores, and the new Castle council said the draft masterplan will "build on this momentum" and help to "ensure future investment is focused on the right places".Its priorities also included creating a walkable, better-connected town, new homes and neighbourhoods that support town centre living, and a cultural and social for a range of housing on currently underused or vacant sites, including homes for families, older people and young professionals, were also identified. The council has launched a new website where people can fill in a short survey and view the proposals. The portal will close on Sunday, 10 August, and the authority said all feedback will help to shape the final masterplan, which will be published later this said: "Don't miss out. This is your town, your future, and your chance to be part of something truly transformative." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Demolition work to start on former bus depot
Demolition crews will move onto a derelict bus depot site this month to start work on turning it into 70 homes. St James' bus depot in Northampton was last used as a transport hub in 2013, before it was sold to a shoe firm by a former council and then bought back by West Northamptonshire Council for double the price. The council has received £1.3m in government funding to carry out the work, ahead of its redevelopment. James Petter, the Reform UK cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at the authority, said the regeneration would "deliver much-needed homes and celebrate our town's heritage". Northampton's trams were based at the depot from the start of the 1900s, before its red buses later joined the fleet. Following its closure, the Northampton Transport Heritage group started a campaign to save the depot for the community. It applied for the transport office to be granted a Grade II listing by Historic England last year and the building will now be restored and preserved as part of the new scheme. The council said it also hoped the original facades of the tram depot would be kept, where possible, across the 4.5 acre site (1.8 hectares). It added it would work closely with the heritage group to honour the hub's place in the town's history. "Throughout the regeneration works, we will work with our contractors to ensure that the site's historic character is respected, while also creating a new community that supports our growing population," said Petter. More than 70 family homes are due to be built on the brownfield site, with the council saying it would be looking for a suitable developer. At this stage of the works, the transport office will have its lights and asbestos removed; the interiors and roof of the original tram depot will be stripped out and the 20th Century extensions to the bus depot will be knocked down. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Restoring bus depot will 'boost' town - council Agreement for ex-bus station to be signed in summer Three derelict sites to be brought back into use Northampton Transport Heritage West Northamptonshire Council
