Northampton Railway Station: Updated plans revealed

A £20m railway station redevelopment in Northampton must give a "first-rate impression" to visitors arriving in the town, said a council leader.

Updated plans for the Castle Station project have been revealed to showcase the "bigger and better station", designed to help "boost the economy".

The two-storey glass and steel building will replace the current station on the town's Black Lion Hill.

The project is part of a new enterprise zone which could create 13,000 jobs.

County council leader Jim Harker said: "For many, the railway station will be their first introduction to Northamptonshire so it's absolutely essential that this gateway gives a first-rate impression."

The present Northampton Station opened in the mid-1960s

'Open for business'

Located in the Northampton Enterprise Zone, work on the £20m development is set to start in spring and be completed by summer 2014.

The government is funding £10m, the rest will come from Northamptonshire County Council and Network Rail.

Borough council leader David Mackintosh said: "When people arrive in our town we want them to feel they are in a place that is welcoming, forward thinking and open for business.

"The new railway station will be good for residents that commute, create the right impression for visitors to our town and supports our ambitious business community and the Waterside Enterprise Zone."

Finer design details for the redevelopment, built on the site of Northampton's medieval castle, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

An exhibition of the updated plans can be see at Northampton's Grosvenor Centre from 4-9 February.