The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles has today confirmed a compulsory purchase order (CPO) in the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone for 2.4 hectares of land known as St Peter’s Waterside.
The CPO is expected to kick-start the transformation of the area, which covers a series of brownfield sites between the River Nene and St Peter’s Way.
There are plans for up to 40,000sqm of office space in the area, starting with a six storey Innovation Centre which begins construction this summer.
The flagship 3,750 sqm building is being delivered by WNDC and the University of Northampton.
Chris Garden, WNDC’s director of regeneration said: “With its central location and transport links, St Peter’s Waterside is a perfect location for high profile office development.
“We have been buying land in the area for some time, but this CPO means we have consolidated various sites and can press ahead with our plans.
“There will be cranes in the skyline this summer, with work starting on the first phases of development and demolition.
“Meanwhile, directly opposite the site, construction will be underway on Northampton’s new railway station. It is a defining period in the regeneration of the town.”
The CPO is one of two that the Corporation has launched in the Northampton Enterprise Zone, with the other Order covering the Avon Nunn Mills site. A decision on the latter is expected later this Spring.
Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council said: “Across our town we are seeing exciting Northampton Alive projects breathing new life into areas as we unlock their potential. “There are real opportunities to invest in Northampton and our Enterprise Zone. This is another positive step as we bring together another site for redevelopment and new employment opportunities.”
WNDC now owns all of the vacant land, five commercial properties and 10 residential properties in St Peter’s Waterside.
The corporation is in discussions with National Grid about the potential to include two adjoining Gasholder sites in the development plans.