Work on a series of major improvements to Kettering Town Centre and its transport network is to begin on 11 October 2010.
The work, which includes the development of new, pedestrian-friendly public areas and transport improvements to reduce congestion and remove through- traffic, represents the latest stage in ambitious regeneration plans for Kettering Town Centre, which started with the award-winning refurbishment of the Market Place.
Public Realm Improvements
Encompassing the length of Market Street and Sheep Street (including the western edge of the Market Place), the Parish Church Forecourt Area and Horsemarket area, the public realm improvements have been designed to make Kettering Town Centre a better place to work, shop and spend leisure time
By improving the appearance and layout of this central area, Kettering Borough Council aims to encourage more people into the heart of the town to support retailers and other local businesses and ensure sustained economic growth.
The work, to be carried out by Balfour Beatty will create new bus stops and bus routes at Horsemarket and deliver comprehensive improvements to the appearance, landscaping, lighting and parking facilities in Sheep Street and Market Street. The work is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2011
As well as maximising the impact of the new Market Place and emerging Restaurant Quarter, the schedule of works will preserve and enhance the setting of some of the town’s most important and historic buildings, such as the Art Gallery, Library, Museum, Parish Church and Piccadilly Buildings.
Northampton Road Junction
Work is also planned to start in November on improvements to the Junction of Northampton Road and Northfield Avenue, the first of a series of improvements identified in the Kettering Town Transport Strategy. Delivered by Northamptonshire County Council, in conjunction with Kettering Borough Council, the scheme will replace the existing traffic lights with a double roundabout to improve traffic flow at one of the County’s most congested junctions.
The new junction, which is expected to be completed by April 2011, will provide better access to the town centre as well as crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at the junction, from Northfield Avenue to the Train Station.
The enhanced public realm and changes to Northampton Road are being delivered in response to widespread support from local residents, who took part in public consultation at the beginning of 2010 and earlier consultation on the Kettering Town Centre Area Action Plan.
This comprehensive programme of improvements has been made possible by £3.93m of external funding. This has been secured mainly through the Government’s Growth Fund, managed for North Northamptonshire by the North Northants Development Company (NNDC), together with other funding sources.
During the works, shoppers and pedestrians will be able to access shops, businesses and homes at all times. The construction team will be working in distinct areas to minimise disruption and any road closures will be advertised in advance and cater for necessary deliveries.
Councillor Mark Dearing, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Retail and Business said:
“The planned improvement works will be important for the future of the town centre. We are listening carefully to local traders and will continue to work closely with our contractors to try and keep any disruption to a minimum.
The works, when complete, will bring the Horsemarket, Sheep Street and Market Street into line with the award winning Market Place and will be a real boost for the town.”
ENDS
Contacts:
For further information on the public realm improvement works, please contact:
Heidi Salmons at NNDC
T: 01536 274979 / E: heidisalmons@nndev.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Kettering Town Centre Area Action Plan aims to ensure that the won centre is more than just a place to shop. It will have an experiential offer that encourages visitors to spend time in, and enjoy, the town centre.
The Suite 16 Programme has been brought together to deliver the town centre regeneration projects on these three fronts and in accordance with this vision.