Council says Wellingborough 'most in need' of transformation after review of town centres
A council-led review into the state of north Northamptonshire town centres has determined that Wellingborough is the most suited for a ‘masterplan’, which will be discussed at a meeting next week.
The review into Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby and Rushden by North Northants Council (NNC) included site visits, looking at existing data into each of the towns and drawing conclusions as to opportunities for development and constraints to overcome.
With the conclusions drawn, Wellingborough was deemed the ‘most in need’, with a similar plan for Kettering set to follow.
Cllr Jan O’Hara, North Northants Council’s executive member for planning and economic growth, said: “As a council, we support the regeneration of town centres across North Northamptonshire - something that is highlighted in our new corporate plan.
“As part of a phased plan for all our town centres, we are looking to positively influence development through initiatives including the development of masterplans and leading by example.
“Following the independent review by external specialists on the topic, Wellingborough has been identified as the most in need, currently, for a masterplan for various factors including having the most significant market indicators and the strongest opportunity for transformation.
"We are fortunate in north Northants to have so many great towns, but this does present us with the challenge of how we embark on work to regenerate town centres. We have approached this decision based on data, need and outcomes for North Northamptonshire residents and are committed to lead by example.
“Whilst we are proposing to support Wellingborough and Kettering first, we remain committed to working with local partners, including our local town councils who are doing fantastic work, to encourage growth in all our town centres - helping towns to adapt to changing habits.”
North Northants Council says Wellingborough offers ‘the biggest scale and opportunity’ for developing a masterplan, factoring in its existing assets, opportunities and lack of recent external funding investment.
A report will be put to the executive at a meeting at the Corby Cube on Tuesday (January 20) at 10am.
Should the report be approved by councillors, a plan for Wellingborough will be created for the town’s long-term vision. Development for towns including Rushden and Corby will be subject to the council’s available budget.
Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “The results of our recent residents’ survey showed that the regeneration of high streets across North Northamptonshire is a priority for residents.
“I hope this report shows that we are listening and starting this work - leading by example to help further investment in town centres.
“Importantly, if a town has not been selected in this first phase, that does not diminish our commitment to work with partners and the relevant town council on local regeneration opportunities.”