Construction of the new and improved Northampton Railway Station has started, with work on the building’s foundations now underway.
Located in the Northampton Enterprise Zone, the £20m development will support continued economic growth in the town.
At twice the size of the present station, the 2,500 sqm building will offer more capacity and improved facilities, including bigger and better shops, cafés and waiting areas.
Over coming weeks, foundation piles are being driven into the ground, marking the start of construction. This follows extensive archaeological investigations and site preparations.
John Markham, Chairman of West Northamptonshire Development Corporation said: “After years of planning, design and securing resources, seeing work start on the station is a special moment for the town. The scheme is at the forefront of Northampton’s regeneration.”
Cllr Jim Harker, Leader of Northamptonshire County Council, said: “The redevelopment of Northampton Railway Station is a key element in the regeneration of Northampton and in bringing prosperity to the county as a whole. The County Council is pleased to be playing a major part in the project, working with partners to bring it forward today. Northampton Railway Station is the principal gateway to Northampton and it is right that we should all work together to give it the importance and status that it needs to attract more inward investment and create a prosperous economy.”
Cllr David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “At last we will have a railway station worthy of a town the size and importance of Northampton. As a key gateway to the Enterprise Zone, this will be a facility we can be proud of and will present a fitting welcome for visitors to our town. This announcement is one of the most significant signals yet that Northampton is Alive and open for business.”
The new and improved station will open in Autumn next year. Longer-term phases of the development potentially include a 1,270 space multi-storey car park, as well as a 28,000sqm commercial development.
