West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is gearing up for a significant regeneration project, with plans in motion to remove asbestos and demolish the former BHS, M&S, and Jobcentre buildings located at 35-39 Abington Street and 20-28 Wood Street. The council’s proactive approach aims to provide a cleared site, primed and ready for construction, to potential developers.

In a recent cabinet meeting scheduled for 19th September, the council will discuss the safe removal of asbestos from the site, paving the way for the demolition of all buildings encompassing the site. This move is in anticipation of a development partner joining the project, ensuring the site is construction-ready.

Highlighting the project’s significance, last month WNC finalized the acquisition of a vacant former job centre on Wood Street, adjacent to the empty stores on Abington Street. This acquisition consolidates the entire 1.6-acre site under WNC’s ownership.

On 31st July, WNC initiated the first phase of the procurement process, issuing expressions of interest to identify a suitable development partner for the scheme. The council is actively collaborating with potential developers to explore viable options for the site before finalizing a preferred development partner.

The project received a substantial boost with a £9.7 million grant from the government through the Town Fund scheme. This fund facilitated the building’s acquisition and the necessary preparatory work. The Towns Fund, a part of the Government’s Levelling Up initiative, has allocated a total of £24.9 million to WNC for transforming Northampton’s Town Centre.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration, and Growth at WNC, emphasized the council’s commitment to ensuring Northampton remains a thriving hub for residents and businesses. The redevelopment of Wood Street and Abington Street is envisioned to rejuvenate the area, introducing new homes, flexible leisure, and retail spaces, thereby enhancing footfall and supporting the town’s existing retail landscape.

This regeneration project is a part of a broader vision for Northampton Town Centre, which includes transforming the Market Square into a cultural epicenter and introducing public realm works in Abington Street and Fish Street. These enhancements will feature new paving, improved seating, enhanced lighting and landscaping, and public art installations.

For those interested in the ongoing regeneration efforts in Northampton, updates are available on the ‘We Are Northampton’ website.