Preparatory work is underway to demolish the old indoor market and create the controversial new bus interchange in Northampton.
This week work started in Sheep Street as essential piping, cabling and other services are diverted away from what is set to become a busy construction site.
Over the next year the old indoor market will be demolished to make way for the new bus interchange.
Planning permission for the bus interchange was granted in July and preparation work has been going on over the summer.
Redirecting underground services will be the final works to take place before demolition begins in November.
Councillor David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council said: “Our town is being transformed. Everywhere you look there are Northampton Alive projects taking shape and breathing new life into areas that are ready for investment.
“The new bus interchange will give visitors to Northampton the right impression. We want people to feel welcomed to our town, rather than experience Kevin McLeod’s ‘Mouth of Hell’. Our town is finally getting a modern facility that is welcoming, bright, safe and clean in the heart of the town centre.”
Preparation work in Sheep Street is expected to take six weeks, with demolition of the former indoor market starting in November and construction of the new bus interchange completed by Christmas 2013.
For more information about Northampton Alive visit the borough council’s website