Regeneration plans unveiled for two town centres

Long-term plans aimed at reshaping the centres of two Northamptonshire towns are due to be considered by councillors in the coming days.

West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet will discuss masterplans for Northampton and Daventry on Tuesday, setting out ambitions to attract investment and improve the look and feel of both town centres.

The new plan for Northampton aims to create a more walkable and better-connected town, with new neighbourhoods.

For Daventry, the regeneration plans include a new play attraction and family-focused leisure facilities at New Street Recreation Ground.

Proposals also include improvements to public spaces, including new seating areas, support for independent businesses, and better connections to Daventry Country Park.

The authority said its previous Northampton masterplan, adopted in 2019, helped secure more than £500m of investment and paved the way for regeneration projects including Market Square, Four Waterside and Greyfriars.

The new plans also identify opportunities for new homes and better use of the riverside.

Kamala Guliyeva, the council's cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: "These masterplans, shaped with the feedback of our partners and residents, help us build on those strengths, creating town centres that are welcoming, sustainable and fit for future generations."

She added: "While the plans don't commit us to specific projects at this stage, they provide a clear roadmap for future opportunities and will help us attract investment that fosters opportunity, strengthens local businesses, supports jobs and thriving communities."

If approved, the masterplans would guide future regeneration projects and funding bids in both towns, with similar plans for Towcester and Brackley expected to follow.

The cabinet meeting will be held on Tuesday from 18:00 BST.

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