The plan which set out the blueprint for the successful regeneration of Corby in North Northamptonshire has been recognised for its achievement by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
At the RTPI East Midlands Awards, held in Nottingham on Friday 26th November, the Corby Regeneration Framework was named the winner of the award for Local Regeneration and Renewal.
Representatives of the North Northants Development Company (NNDC) received the award, which was given to the Local Delivery Vehicle and its partners Corby Borough Council and AECOM.
The Regeneration Framework was launched in January 2003 by Catalyst Corby, NNDC’s predecessor, and Corby Borough Council. It was developed in conjunction with AECOM’s Design + Planning practice (which was known as EDAW when this project was launched).
In setting out a shared vision of a successful, balanced and prosperous Corby, the Regeneration Framework proposed the radical transformation of its town centre that has since been implemented as well as the re-development of brownfield sites and older housing estates to offer extensive new and wide-ranging housing areas.
These interventions were interlinked with transport and economic strategies, aimed at exploiting Corby’s strategic location to attract and develop new and modern employment sites across the borough.
This included the implementation of a fully integrated transport system centred on the development of a new Corby train station and return of a direct passenger service to London, which were duly achieved in December 2008 and February 2009 respectively.
Ann Skippers, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute added:
“I was particularly thrilled to be at the awards ceremony in Nottingham when NNDC and its partners received this prestigious award. When I visited Corby earlier this year I was stuck not only by the passion of Corby's planners, but also by the buzz being generated by the development of new iconic buildings such as the pool and the Cube. This is largely down to the Regeneration Framework's shared vision and the inclusive approach taken to new development and growth which is seen as a driver to regenerate Corby.”
Simon Evans, Chief Executive of North Northants Development Company, said:
“The launch of the Regeneration Framework in January 2003 was a turning point for Corby, providing one shared vision for the whole community following extensive public consultation. It has paved the way for major redevelopment of the town’s retail, leisure and community facilities and has transformed wider perceptions of Corby as a growing and prosperous town in which to live and invest.
Just over seven years after the launch of this 30 year strategy, this award provides further independent endorsement that the partners behind Corby’s regeneration are on the right track.”
Leader of Corby Borough Council, Cllr Pat Fawcett, said:
“It is clear that Corby has gone through a huge transformation and we are very proud to receive acknowledgement of its success through the RTPI Award.
In this short time we have already built new communities, enhanced green spaces, opened new schools, developed further opportunities for businesses, launched a new rail station, opened new shops, improved leisure facilities - the list is endless. But we still have more in the plans and with the continuation of our Regeneration Framework, Corby will further become the bigger, better, brighter Borough that we have all been working towards.’
Charles Ledward, a principal at AECOM’s Design + Planning practice in London said:
“The masterplan delivers a new vision for Corby that is firmly embedded in the local heritage and character of the town. We are delighted that the RTPI has recognised its contribution towards the creation of a modern and diverse town centre, which meets the needs of local residents while attracting new businesses, investors and visitors”.