National Grid has confirmed the gas tower in St Peter’s Way, Northampton, will be dismantled so an office development can be built in its place.
The future of two gas towers near Towcester Road has been up in the air for several years, but National Grid, which owns the towers, has today confirmed the one nearest to the St Peter’s Way roundabout will be demolished.
Scott Lewis from National Grid said the company would now work with Northampton Borough Council and the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) on plans for the site.
He said: “We’ll continue to work with the WNDC to ensure this site can be provided with a brighter future and look forward to working with the local community, Northampton Borough Council and the WNDC as plans progress.”
The leader of Northampton Borough Council, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm) welcomed National Grid’s announcement and said it would help to boost the development of the town’s Government-backed enterprise zone.
He said: “This is fantastic news and shows how our work with a whole host of organisations is paying dividends.
“The removal of this gas holder will be a powerful demonstration of our drive to ensure the regeneration of Northampton town centre continues, allowing us to open up the entrance to the enterprise zone.”
The WNDC’s chief executive, Peter Mawson added that there was already a great deal of interest in the site from developers.
He said: “St Peter’s Waterside is primed for redevelopment and is attracting strong interest from a range of investors. With the inclusion of the northern gas holder site, we have the opportunity for a high quality office development, capitalising on its central location, riverside setting and enterprise zone benefits.”
The future of the gas tower in Towcester Road has not yet been decided.