West Northamptonshire Council and ECF have entered into a development agreement to deliver the regeneration of the Greyfriars area in Northampton town centre.
ECF will now work with the council to further develop the masterplan and bring forward the development of the 25-acre area, which includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station as well as the Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, Corn Exchange, Belgrave House and East and West Islands.
The Corn Exchange will form a new leisure destination and Belgrave House will provide opportunities for community and meanwhile uses. The plans for the site also include new homes alongside shops, cafes and restaurants and public realm.
James Petter, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the project which will make such a profound difference to the environment and offer in Northampton town centre. Our partnership with the English Cities Fund is a real coup, and testament to the hard work and ambition of our teams at WNC.
“The plans being delivered respond directly to feedback from the public and will help unlock a site which has been sitting derelict for around a decade. Over the coming months we will be engaging with the community to help shape the approach, before a planning application can be submitted.”
Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF – a joint venture between L&G, Homes England, and Muse, added: “West Northamptonshire Council has set out a bold vision for Greyfriars and we are looking forward to our collaborative and positive partnership. Entering a development agreement will enable us to take the next important step in the delivery of this important opportunity. It’s a chance to enhance Northampton town centre with new homes, workspaces, retail, culture and public spaces. Together, we will move at pace to deliver a masterplan proposal which delivers against this opportunity.”
