One of the UK’s leading developers will deliver a pivotal office scheme in the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone.
Kier Property has been selected by West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) as the preferred developer for the 20,000 sqm project.
Known as St Peter’s Waterside, the site covers two hectares of brownfield land in the heart of Northampton, between the River Nene and St Peter’s Way. Extensive demolition works have recently been completed, with a former gasholder, ten houses and four business units making way for the development. It is part of a growing commercial district, lying next to a forthcoming Innovation Centre and opposite a new £20m railway station, which opens in 2014.
Kier Group’s property arm is a major UK developer, with a large portfolio spanning offices, industrial, retail and mixed-use schemes. St Peter’s Waterside is one of several projects being supported by Kier in a resurgent Northampton. Its construction division is delivering a series of regeneration schemes, ranging from the North Gate Bus Station to a Student Accommodation complex.
Pip Prongué from Kier Property said: “We are delighted to have been selected as preferred developer for this important regeneration project in Northampton. We look forward to working in partnership with WNDC and Northampton Borough Council to deliver an exciting office development that will stand as an iconic building in the centre of Northampton for many years to come.”
Peter Mawson, WNDC’s Chief Executive said: “Once we made this site available, it sparked a lot of interest from developers and investors. With its local track record and visionary plans for the site, Kier has emerged from a highly competitive process. Over coming months, Kier will work hand-in-hand with our partners to deliver a new local landmark at a high profile location. It is reassuring to have such a proven developer on board.”
Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “The area around St Peter’s Way has long been in need of redevelopment. While this new scheme will provide modern commercial properties, forming an important part of the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone’s offer, it is just part of our town’s massive regeneration programme. The amount of progress we are making far outstrips the national trend, leading to a high level of private sector confidence, which is reflected in the speed with which Northampton is recovering from recession.”
