This morning (Wednesday 20th October) the earth was broken at the Horsemarket to mark the beginning of the next phase of regeneration works in Kettering’s Town Centre.
Formally celebrating the next stage of improvement works to Kettering’s Town Centre, as part of a £10 million regeneration project, were Kettering Borough Council joined by its partners North Northants Development Company (NNDC), Northamptonshire County Council and Balfour Beatty Constructions.
Throughout the regeneration works and over the busy Christmas period businesses and shops in the town and surrounding the improvement works will remain open for business as usual. Work on the Horsemarket is expected to be completed in January 2011 with works then proceeding on Market Street, Market Place and then Sheep Street. This investment in public spaces in Kettering Town Centre works will complement the already award winning Market Place and the emerging restaurant quarter, and will help rejuvenate this key historic part of the town.
Councillor Mark Dearing, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Retail and Business said:
“This next phase of improvement works in Kettering’s Town Centre will help continue the transformation of the Town and surrounding area. We are working closely with local traders and are very keen to ensure that everyone knows that the town centre will remain fully open for business in the run up to, and during the busy Christmas period.”
Caroline Wardle. Project Director at NNDC, said:
“Today’s event demonstrates that the Borough Council’s ambitious regeneration plans remain on track in spite of extremely tough economic conditions.
By securing growth funding for this project, local partners have ensured the momentum of improvements to the town centre is maintained and Kettering increases the opportunities for private sector investment in its future development.”
Councillor Heather Smith, Northamptonshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways said:
“I am really thrilled to see the start of the next phase of Kettering’s Town Centre improvements. Kettering is a beautiful town and it is great to see it have its town centre enhanced.”