Demolition of former bus depot '70% complete'

The site of a former bus depot is being cleared for housing

The demolition of a bus depot where 70 homes will be built is more than 70% complete, according to the local council.

The regeneration of the former St James bus depot in Northampton began last month.

In a progress update, West Northamptonshire Council said as well the demolition works, 70% of the internal strip-out of buildings and asbestos sheet roof removal had been carried out.

The removal of notifiable asbestos, "a critical and carefully managed process which takes considerable time", was  30% complete, the authority said.

West Northamptonshire Council is now looking for a suitable developer to build the homes

The site was last used as a transport hub in 2013, before it was sold to a shoe firm by a former council and then bought back by West Northamptonshire Council for double the price.

The council received £1.3m from the government's Brownfield Land Release Fund, to enable remediation and site preparation, the council said.

The local authority said the regeneration would retain and restore the Grade II-listed transport office, preserving key elements of Northampton's transport heritage.

Where feasible, original facades of the early 1900s tram depot will also be retained, maintaining a strong link to the town's past.

James Petter, Reform UK cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: "The regeneration of St James Depot is progressing well and remains a key part of our vision to create high-quality homes while recognising Northampton's unique heritage."

The council added it would soon begin the process of selecting a development partner for the full scheme, to include supporting infrastructure such as schools and healthcare services.

The site is composed of a tram depot, a bus depot and office extension and the former transport office building