Deal worth £130m signed for 'key gateway' site

The council said the scheme would include high-quality housing and office space

A deal worth at least £130m has been signed to turn two brownfield sites into an "ambitious" gateway development.

The regeneration company, Cityheart, and West Northamptonshire Council will work together on the scheme next to Northampton's railway station.

The Four Waterside and Marefair project will include waterside homes, a hotel and space for businesses.

The council said it would "enhance the wider transformation of Northampton town centre."

Well over a year since Cityheart was chosen as the council's development partner, an agreement has been reached to move the Four Waterside and Marefair project along.

A planning application is now being prepared for the clearance work that will be needed to get the sites ready for construction, which is due to start in the Autumn.

Ground preparation work will be undertaken to determine the design of the foundations for the redevelopment.

An application will then be drafted for the overall scheme and public consultation will be carried out in the Summer.

The site of the development has been vacant for at least a decade

The council said the project would include grade A office space for new and existing businesses, a new hotel and high-quality homes including an extra care facility.

New paving and seating will be installed in the public area and there will be open green space.

Another artist's view of the site showing how some of the buildings will look

Daniel Lister, the Conservative council's cabinet member for local economy, said: "This area has stood empty for too long, and once complete, this development will enhance the wider transformation of Northampton town centre, benefiting residents and businesses from across the area.

"It's an exciting time for one of the key gateways into Northampton."