Work on Northampton’s Market Square to start in new year

Traders will have an undisturbed Christmas after the decision was taken not to start work on the redevelopment of Northampton’s Market Square until the new year.

Once complete, the work will deliver a major new water feature, additional trees, new paving and public seating, redesigned market stalls and a new lighting scheme.

Relocation of the market to Commercial Street is necessary as construction work, additional traffic, noise, dust and disturbance make it impractical to keep it on the square during the redevelopment.

Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration, and Growth said: “We’ve listened to what a range of traders – both from the market and surrounding businesses – have told us and we’ve decided that work should start after Christmas.

"This will give everyone some stability at one of their busiest times of year, before we commence work on the extensive redevelopment of Market Square.

"The improvements we have planned will undoubtedly cause disruption, but we’ll continue working with traders to minimise the impact on their businesses.

"Once the work is complete, I know people will be extremely impressed with the new space we’re going to deliver for them.

"Alongside the enhancements we’re also providing in Abington Street and Fish Street, and all of the other projects we have in the pipeline, Northampton town centre is set for a renaissance."

The new-look Market Square will be available for use for a variety of events, as well as being a catalyst in attracting new businesses and opportunities to the town.

A number of potential options for moving the market were considered, including a variety of locations in Abington Street, Wood Hill, the Grosvenor Shopping centre.

Commercial Street was the only option which allowed the entire market to remain together as splitting it up would have resulted in lower footfall to the separate sites, which the council believes would impact on its long-term sustainability.

The council will continue to help promote the market in the lead-up to and after its move to Commercial Street next year.