Latest news with #WestNorthamptonshireCouncil
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Northampton MP criticises council sale of Guildhall extension
An MP has joined criticism of the council for "selling a town's heritage to the highest bidder" as the modern extension of Northampton's historic Guildhall went on the 1992-built office space is being sold by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) - led by Reform UK - while the original Victorian building is retained by the Mark Arnull said it wanted to "better utilise council buildings while also reducing ongoing costs to the public purse".Mike Reader, who represents Northampton South for Labour, said: "Reform UK need to rethink this plan and do what's right for Northampton – protect our town and it's culture." Community leaders have spoken out against the sale since the plan was first announced last year by the then Conservative administration, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The authority said at the time that not maintaining the extension would save £350,000 per Oliver Coss, Rector of All Saints' Church, near the Guildhall, said it was "regrettable this arresting piece of modern architecture is going to fall out of public use". Northampton Town Council is seeking legal advice after it was asked to move out of the original Guildhall as part of the "office optimisation plan".Speaking of the sale, town councillor Les Marriott said the extension was "architecturally impressive", provided a quiet space in the town centre and had hosted many community events. "We are concerned that any sale and subsequent change of use will result in the building and courtyard being lost to the general public indefinitely," he town council welcomed further discussions with WNC to ensure "this much loved civic building continues to serve the public good for future generations", he said the council was looking for proposals which made good use of the sale listing suggests a range of options for the building, including a boutique hotel, events venue, restaurant, residential, or continued office use. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
21-07-2025
- BBC News
Fire-hit Northampton town centre building to be demolished
A town centre building that was hit by a major fire will now be demolished, a council blaze in the empty former ex-serviceman's club started in the early hours of 30 March in Sheep Street, Northampton and was being treated as fire crews were called out and nearby roads were Northamptonshire Council said a section of the road would be closed while the building was being razed following "expert advice from the demolition company". The building, at the junction with Church Lane, had been empty for a few emergency services were called at 05:50 living nearby were told to keep their windows and doors shut because the fire had generated a large plume of nearby properties lost power while the incident was dealt council said a section of Sheep Street, between Church Lane and Lady's Lane, would closed to pedestrians and cyclists during the thanked residents and businesses for their "patience and cooperation while this work is carried out".West Northamptonshire Council did not give a timeframe for the demolition. Northamptonshire Police said it was continuing to try to identify who was responsible for the fire, but added there had been no arrests yet. 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
18-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Brackley school and Daventry industrial development up for sale
A former school and an industrial development are to be sold to generate income for a council. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) hopes the sales of the now closed Southfield Primary School, in Brackley, and the industrial site in Heartlands, Daventry, could generate income of about £500,000. Two public open spaces are due to be transferred to Crick Parish Council for £1 each, as it is felt they can be better managed by the community. It is also aiming to formalise its ownership of two pieces of land in Green Lane and Off the old A45, both in Northampton. Members of WNC approved the plans at a meeting on Wednesday. The change comes after the authority agreed to put the modern extension of Northampton's Guildhall up for sale. Southfield Primary School, which closed in July 2024 due to a shortfall in pupils, could be demolished and the land used for housing. Its existing theatre block will be kept, along with 50 car parking spaces for the community, to be used as a family hub, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. WNC said "extensive checks" were made to see if there was a viable educational use for the site, but none came forward. 'Delighted' Brackley Conservative councillor Fiona Baker said the closure of the school had been "pretty devastating". "The space can provide a permanent home for a 'spoke' of the family hub service, the much-loved youth club, a community larder, a stem school for Send students, along with other early health groups that currently lack a dedicated venue."Now is the time to invest in infrastructure for Brackley that supports the expanding community."Regarding the sale of the open spaces, Liberal Democrat councillor Rosie Humphreys said: "Cracks Hill is known and loved by everyone in Crick. "It's widely used by the villages and outdoor amenity for ramblers, dog walkers and families."The parish council has long wished to have ownership of this local landmark and will be delighted if the transfer process is approved."WNS said solidifying its title on the Northampton land would enable it to be better managed. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Modern part of historical Northampton Guildhall goes up for sale
The modern extension to a historical building in a town has been put up for sale. The Guildhall in Northampton was previously the headquarters for West Northamptonshire Council, before the authority moved its staff to One Angel year the council said the move would "maximise" the use of its buildings and protect the county's heritage, while also saving the authority £350,000 per year. Mark Arnull, a Reform UK councillor and leader of the authority, said: "It is the 1992 extension which is proposed for a leasehold disposal. We are looking for proposals which make good use of the building, having regard to its location next to the historic one." The coroner's service, based in the building's modern extension, has moved to the old part of the Guildhall, which remains with the the council was set up in 2021, it inherited a range of buildings including the Victorian gothic Guildhall of 1864 and the 21st Century Forum in Towcester. Arnull, said: "After a comprehensive review of the council's office space and property portfolio, there is an opportunity to better utilise these spaces while also reducing ongoing costs to the public purse. "The Guildhall holds significant importance in both the town's and county's history and its historic part, originally from 1864 with a seamless extension in 1892, forms an integral part of the council's collection of heritage assets."He added the price of the building was not being made public as it may "harm the ability of the council to secure the best deal". Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
