Another step forward for Grosvenor/Greyfriars redevelopment

6.58.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 21st Dec 2007

The multi-million pound redevelopment of Northampton's premier shopping centre has moved a major step forward. Seven years and at least two false starts after the scheme was first proposed the new Liberal Democrat administration of Northampton Borough Council have moved the refurbishment of the Grosvenor Centre and the regeneration of the Town Centre a very significant step closer.

Legal & General, owners of the Grosvenor Centre, have today (21 December) signed an agreement with Northampton Borough Council, owner of the adjoining Greyfriars bus station. The 'heads of terms' agreement is a milestone in the redevelopment of the shopping centre. It formalises the principles of the two organisations working together.

Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Richard Church, said: "This is a major step forward. The Grosvenor Centre and Greyfriars redevelopment is the single biggest investment in our town centre. Once it is completed this will significantly improve the shopping offer for Northampton residents and visitors, and provide a new centre that we can all be proud of."

Leader of Northampton Borough Council, Cllr Tony Woods, said: "This is fantastic news. It is a massive vote of confidence in our town. We set an ambitious target of signing this agreement by Christmas and it has been achieved. This is in no small part due to the hard work of the council's officers and I thank them for their efforts.

"There is still a lot of work to be done - this is the first stage of a long and complex project. The builders will not start work for a few years yet as there's lots of detailed design and planning still to do, but it is a great achievement.

"After years of delay under Labour and Tory administrations we have finally been able to move this project on and get an agreement to move to the next phase of this vital project."

Details of the scheme are expected to be unveiled in the new year.

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