Northampton to develop vision to regenerate town centre

A plan is to be developed to bring more life to the town centre

Free parking is to be extended to attract more residents and visitors into Northampton town centre.

Charges in August will be dropped at St John's, St Michael's and Mayorhold car parks on Saturdays, and on weekdays the first two hours will be free.

Grosvenor centre car park will become pay on exit to simplify arrangements, the Conservative borough council said.

The Labour opposition is expected to comment later on steps planned to regenerate the town.

Night time economy

Signs will be installed on the main approach roads to the town centre to direct drivers to the closest and most convenient car parks with information on space availability.

A town centre summit will be held in the autumn chaired by an independent businessman, Stephen Church, who will oversee the production of a report bringing organisations together to develop a strategy for regeneration.

A review of the town's night time economy will take place involving businesses, police and other partners.

Council leader David Mackintosh said a step change was being adopted in how the town centre and its future potential were viewed.

"It means pulling all our efforts together and making sure that we take a strategic approach; that we have a shared vision for what we want Northampton to be and we work hard to attract investment to help it grow," he said.