Public consultation launched over station gateway plans
Public views are being sought over plans to create a new gateway into Northampton which would “transform” the area around the town’s railway station and enable more people to travel sustainably by train.
blocwork – a partnership between Network Rail and bloc Group – is seeking to engage the public ahead of submitting a planning application to carry out substantial regeneration works at the site.
The proposals include a new multi-storey car park, a hotel, homes and a covered walkway for pedestrians travelling between the station and the car park.
The area has been described as “unwelcoming” in its current state. It consists of two areas of open surface car-parking alongside an adjoining single deck car park. The current parking provision fails to meet demand, resulting in many people choosing to commute to London and other areas by car, despite Northampton enjoying good rail links.
The hotel and residential accommodation would be located on the site of the existing car park.
Public realm improvements such as new planting and paving are also included in the proposals.
Chris Byrne from Network Rail said: “It’s really exciting to be able to share these plans with local people so they can shape how we transform the area around Northampton station and make it fit for the future. We know that there have long been calls for better parking at the station and with the railway at the centre of this redevelopment we believe it will encourage more people to make long distance journeys by using the greenest form of public transport and encourage passengers to make more sustainable travel choices.”
The consultation begins today (10 October) and runs until 28 October.
blocwork is currently developing a 348-apartment scheme known as The Barnum on Queen’s Road in Nottingham. It is expected to be completed by early summer 2023.
