Northampton park plan for heritage gateway

A park could be created in Northampton as part of the town's bid to celebrate its history.

The park, which would be next to the new railway station currently being built on the old castle site, would be part of the heritage gateway project.

The five-year plan also includes a heritage trail, exhibitions in the railway station and improved landscaping and lighting.

A report about the project goes before Northampton County Council on 11 June.

It will then go to the borough council's cabinet meeting the next day.

'Raise profile'

If approved, an initial £1.7m investment from the county council will kick-start the project, with further bids to be made for funding from other sources.

The heritage gateway plans focus on the former Northampton Castle site, as well as emphasising other local features, including St Peter's Church, the only remaining building in the area that existed at the same time as the castle.

County council cabinet member Andre Gonzalez de Savage said: "The heritage gateway will raise the profile of Northampton's history, highlighting the stories behind the origin of the castle, the county town and its people."

The scheme has been welcomed by the Friends of Northampton Castle.

Dr Marie Dickie said: "Northampton has neglected its important medieval heritage for far too long, but now we can really make Northampton's past part of our future."