New development sites opened up thanks to more Government funding

21 October 2024

The former bus depot in St James

West Northamptonshire Council has been awarded a total of almost £2.6m from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.

The funding will help bring several derelict sites across the area back into use, as part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s One Public Estate programme. 

A former bus depot in St James, Northampton, will benefit from a £1,368,000 grant which will help remedy ground contamination and asbestos at the site which has been vacant for a decade.

There will also be further work on the site to prepare it for a residential-led scheme, creating much needed housing in that area of town.

Preparation at the former University of Northampton Avenue Campus site – including the construction of roads in the site and utility upgrades – will be possible thanks to a £1,031,500 award. This will also allow residential development.

And the former Ecton Brook Care Home site will be demolished in preparation for a new affordable housing scheme, thanks to a £200,000 grant.

“This funding recognises the potential of these sites and our prudent approach in buying them, and we’re grateful to the Government for this valuable contribution.

“Finding areas for new housing can be challenging and brownfield sites are ultimately the most appropriate but salvaging them is often difficult due to the cost.

“These three sites will provide in the region of 250 new homes for our residents, as part of our drive to meet growing residential demand.”

Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure