Agreement for ex-bus station to be signed in summer

A formal agreement to regenerate the site of a former bus station that was demolished 10 years ago is expected to be signed this summer.

West Northamptonshire Council has entered into an initial development management services agreement (DMSA) with the English Cities Fund (ECF) for the land in Northampton town centre.

The 25-acre (100,000-square-metre) site includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station as well as the Mayorhold and Victoria Street car parks, Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and East and West Islands.

The partnership between ECF and the Conservative-controlled council could see the site and several derelict buildings developed with an "ambitious and transformative" vision, the developer said.

The bus station - dubbed the "mouth of hell" - was demolished in a big detonation in March 2015.

The DMSA enables ECF – a joint venture between the government's Homes England agency and the private firms Legal & General and Muse - to develop more detailed strategies ahead of entering into a development agreement in the summer.

Dan Lister, council cabinet member for the local economy, culture and leisure, said: "This partnership underscores our commitment to transforming Northampton town centre into a vibrant, dynamic space that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors.

"The vision we have for Greyfriars is ambitious and transformative, and with ECF's expertise, we are confident in delivering a project that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the cultural offering for community."

The council estimated that as many as 7,000 full-time jobs could be created during construction.

Maggie Grogan, managing director for the Midlands at ECF, said: "We see clearly the opportunity Greyfriars presents and have made real progress.

"Entering a DMSA will accelerate our work and further strengthens our approach.

"We expect 2025 to be an exciting year and look forward to sharing more with the community in due course."

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.