West Northamptonshire Council is taking steps to purchase the former St James Bus Depot and ensure the large brownfield vacant site benefits from regeneration.
The brownfield site has stood vacant to the west of Northampton Town Centre for more than a decade. As part of the wider extensive regeneration of Northampton, this area has been identified as one which could significantly benefit from redevelopment.
Since West Northamptonshire Council was made aware of Church’s Shoes’ intention to sell the site, the Council has been working closely with them. As one of the last remaining brownfield sites in Northampton, on a key route into the town centre, it is important for local businesses and the local community to make sure that the best regeneration and economic potential of the area is realised.
WNC has engaged with Church’s to agree on the purchase of the building and is now looking at the future viability of the site through a feasibility study to ensure that any future development meets the needs of residents while maintaining the historic character of this landmark.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC, said: “The former St James Bus Depot boasts a prominent large brownfield site, central to Northampton Town Centre. This historic landmark has been vacant for some time, during which Church’s has added land to the site and carried out some remediation work.
“We have engaged with Church’s on the sale of this site in order to be able to bring forward a viable scheme which will benefit our residents. We are committed to retaining the historical and iconic frontage of this site and will be working with key partners to ensure that the area is empathetically regenerated.
“As part of the delivery of this scheme, we will seek to provide much-needed high-quality homes to accommodate the needs of our growing communities. The views of our residents are essential to ensure that this site meets the needs of our local community, and we will be looking at opportunities to hear their views on the coming months.”
