New neighbourhood planned for 'mouth of hell' site

An amphitheatre and cultural hubs are part of the new plans for the former bus station site

A new neighbourhood will be built on the site of a bus station dubbed the "mouth of hell", a council said.

The plan has been revealed by West Northamptonshire Council for the former Greyfriars bus station, demolished in 2015.

It has now opened a further consultation on the proposal, which includes homes, a park and an amphitheatre.

Dan Lister from the Conservative-led council said it was an "exciting step forward".

The bus station in Northampton was demolished in 2015

The council said the bus station site, along with several buildings around it, was "the largest brownfield opportunity" in the town.

More than 1,500 people responded to an initial consultation over what to do with the site.

Mr Lister, the cabinet member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, said the response meant the plans were "shaped by the community".

The council said the site would become "a new vibrant neighbourhood within Northampton town centre".

The site has remained largely undeveloped since the demolition

Alongside new homes, there are plans for a town park, "multi-use hubs" and a community building.

The plans also include improvements to the replacement Northgate bus station.

The council said the station was not big enough for the "growing demand" for public transport.

Mr Lister encouraged residents "to have their say to help shape the future of this part of Northampton".

The consultation is open until 1 June.