Bee Bee Developments has forced its way into negotiations to take a share in the 837-acre Stanton Cross scheme in Wellingborough.
Housebuilder Bovis won consent for the scheme, one of the largest construction projects in the UK, in March.
It intends to provide an “urban extension” to the east of the Northamptonshire town, consisting of 3,100 homes, 169 acres of commercial space, parkland and infrastructure.
But Alfred Buller’s company Bee Bee which bought two sites next to the station from Henry Boot subsidiary Hallam earlier this year, both key parts of the Bovis development wants to create a major new commercial centre.
Speaking to EG this week, Buller said he hoped to develop 2m sq ft of offices and leisure facilities, creating a high-quality “city centre” for an area where the government wants 60,000 new homes by 2031.
“North Northamptonshire will have the population of Leicester or Milton Keynes in 20 years’ time, but these places still feel like market towns,” said Buller.
“They need to deliver 43,000 jobs, and this is the logical place in which to introduce the infrastructure needed to attract businesses and change the image of the area.”
Bovis’s plans were drawn up in response to an urban framework document produced in 1999, which envisaged a residential extension to the town.
They are understood to have backing from the local council.
But Buller believes these plans are outdated in light of the massive growth now earmarked for the area.
A spokesman for the housebuilder said: “We can confirm that Bovis Homes is in discussions with Bee Bee Developments in respect of the delivery of the commercial elements of the Wellingborough project at Stanton Cross. We are not in a position to comment further on the negotiations.”
Bee Bee is in discussions with the council and expects to submit a planning application before Christmas.
References: EGi News 11/09/06
