Council to loan £3m to enhance shopping centre

West Northamptonshire Council, in partnership with the Grosvenor Centre owners, want to attract more shoppers into Northampton

A shopping centre will receive £3m in loans for renovations from a council, including building a larger relocated H&M store.

West Northamptonshire council said it would give two loans, one for up to £2m, and one for £1m, to support the development of a more modern H&M store in the Grosvenor shopping centre in Northampton, and to create flexible workspaces to support remote working.

Funds would also be made available to convert several units into micro shops.

Councillor Daniel Lister from West Northamptonshire Council said: "These initiatives will bring new life to the Grosvenor Centre and support local businesses."

It was announced earlier this year that H&M would relocate from its current location on Abington Street to the shopping centre

The proposal is the latest in a series of efforts by the council to enhance Northampton town centre.

In September, the Market Square reopened after an 18-month refurbishment, which included new paving, custom-built stalls, improved lighting, seating, and tree installations.

The centre suffered a blow earlier this year when Next closed its store, with a replacement yet to be announced.

To attract a new leisure operator to the former Sainsbury’s unit, the local authority also plans to offer 180 two-hour free parking spaces, and wants to secure rights to install solar energy equipment in the Grosvenor Centre car park.

Mr Lister added: "We are committed to revitalising Northampton town centre and making it a vibrant, attractive place for residents and visitors alike."

The initiatives will be discussed by the local authority on 10 December.