West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) is using its compulsory purchase powers to kick-start St Peter’s Waterside, a 430,570 sq ft office and housing development.
The corporation has started the CPO process on a series of sites in Northampton’s enterprise zone that stretch from Northampton Railway Station to Carlsberg’s UK Headquarters.
The Northampton EZ covers over 296 acres of predominantly brownfield land along the River Nene. It is led by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), and aims to build on local strengths in advanced technologies, high performance engineering, and low carbon technology.
WNDC director of regeneration Chris Garden said: “Over recent years, we have been purchasing various land interests in Northampton’s waterside area. This compulsory purchase order will help us complete our acquisition plans, and unlock a landmark mixed-use scheme in the centre of the enterprise zone.
“There is growing occupier demand for quality commercial space in Northampton town centre, but relatively low supply. The St Peter’s Waterside development is a core part of our plans to expand Northampton’s offer”
The St Peter’s Waterside development will neighbour a 40,260 sq ft Innovation Centre, which won planning consent last month. The £6.5m scheme, being led by WNDC, will house up to 55 small businesses.
Preparations for the CPO will begin this month, and it is due to be formally made in April 2012. It will be followed by a public inquiry and a decision by the Secretary of State later in the year.
The news follows today’s earlier announcement that Carlsberg UK is to expand its UK facility, also housed within Northampton’s EZ. The brewer plans to build a 75,340 sq ft new bottling plant on the site.
lisa.pilkington@estatesgazette.com
