Consultation begins on plans for former 'mouth of hell' site

Greyfriars was demolished in March 2015

A council has launched a consultation to develop plans for the site of a bus station dubbed the "mouth of hell".

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) said the former Greyfriars bus station, demolished in 2015, was "the largest brownfield opportunity" in the town.

The authority's "vision" for the derelict site could include homes, community spaces and a new park.

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

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 Conservative-controlled council says the town centre site "boasts a prime location".

The site, pictured here in 2018, has been derelict since it was demolished

Councillor Dan Lister said: "The project has the opportunity to deliver a change for the area, increasing footfall to support local businesses, attract new inward investment and create a place where all can be proud of.

"We look forward to working with our residents and businesses to bring them along this journey with us."

WNC said it was working with consultation firm Deetu and architects Studio Egret West to develop the engagement and proposed plans for the future scheme.

It added that a "core element" of the proposals would be to improve "connectivity" in the area and enhance walking and cycling.

Greyfriars bus station was demolished in March 2015 and had dominated the town's skyline for nearly 40 years.

It opened in 1976 and was described by commentators at the time as a "feat of engineering".

The building was once described as being "like a great big mouth of hell" by Channel 4 presenter and designer Kevin McCloud.