'Mouth of hell' site may be used for rugby pitches

England's women have played games at Northampton Saints' Franklin's Gardens twice in the last two years

The site of a demolished bus station could be used for rugby pitches during the 2025 women's Rugby World Cup, a council said.

West Northamptonshire Council has launched a consultation to develop plans for the brownfield area in Northampton.

The bus station, once dubbed the "mouth of hell" by property presenter Kevin McCloud, was demolished in 2015.

Dan Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said the authority was looking at "temporary uses in the meantime until it is developed".

Greyfriars was demolished in March 2015

An "online engagement" will be open until 7 January, with residents invited to share their views for the site.

It will be used to develop outline plans to be shared in spring 2024, when a second stage of consultation will begin.

The development area includes the former bus station site, East and West Island, Mayorhold multi-storey car park, Belgrave House, Corn Exchange and Victoria Street car park.

The site in Northampton has remained empty since 2015

Mr Lister said he hoped to have work on the site beginning in 2025, but it could be used sooner for "temporary" structures.

"We've got the [women's] Rugby World Cup in 2025, so whether we could have rugby pitches in the meantime to start to reactivating that space that has remained empty for so long," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

Northampton Saints' 15,249-capacity Franklin's Gardens is among eight English venues hosting the tournament.

The rugby union competition will run from 22 August until 27 September 2025.