The first stage of the upgrade to Rushden High St looks set to start soon, with an award to East Northamptonshire Council of just over £700,000 of government growth funding for the project.
This work follows on from the recent Enquiry by Design process earlier this year, and will kick start the regeneration of the centre of Rushden. The money will come through North Northants Development Company (NNDC) in conjunction with Northamptonshire County Council and Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited.
The funding will be used to prepare the overall designs for 3 phases including the construction of phase one, which is being carried out by MGWSP the highways service provider over the next few months:
Phase 1: Improvements to the ‘gateway’ entrance to the southern end of the High Street (towards the Church) and approximately 50m of improvement works continuing to the north.
Further funding is being sought to complete the other phases of the project:
Phase 2: A central public space 'square' directly in front of the Wesleyan Church and incorporating College Street junction to the south and Queens Street junction to the north.
Phase 3: A ‘gateway’ feature at the northern end of the High Street at the junction with Rectory Road and Station Road.
Councillor Richard Lewis, who is a member of both East Northamptonshire Council and Rushden Town Council, and a member of the project board, said:
"It’s good to see this work going ahead despite the current financial climate and this is just the first stage of bigger plans to improve the town centre. Rushden High Street desperately needs upgrading, and these improvements will make it a much more attractive place to encourage new businesses and shoppers. "
Simon Evans, Chief Executive of NNDC, said:
"These improvements to public areas are an essential element in attracting private sector investment and will help to increase land and property values in Rushden town centre."
"We want as many local residents and businesses as possible to take part in the forthcoming consultation events so that this Growth Funding will deliver the kind of public places they can be truly proud of."
East Northamptonshire Council, in partnership with Rushden Town Council, is holding two consultation events for businesses and residents to discuss how to take forward the views on improvements to Rushden High Street gathered during the Enquiry by Design work. These are set out in the Rushden Regeneration Strategy, which can be viewed on East Northamptonshire Council’s web site at: www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/rushdenregeneration
A very positive initial meeting with local traders has already taken place.
The dates for the consultation events are:
- Wednesday 6 October: Businesses event – between 6pm and 8.30pm at Rushden Hall
- Thursday 7 October: Residents’ event – between 7pm and 9pm at Rushden Hall
The outline design drawings will be on display at the Rushden Centre, the Splash Pool and the Evening Telegraph office on the High Street from Wednesday 6 October to Wednesday 20 October during normal opening hours. The proposals will be used as a basis for discussion to develop the detailed designs for the High Street.
There will be the chance to make comments and speak to members of the project team during specific times at the Rushden Centre. Project team members will be available Monday 11 October from 11am-1pm, Wednesday 13 October from 2pm - 4pm and Saturday 16 October from 10am - 12pm.
You will also be able to visit www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/rushdenconsultation to view and make comments on the outline designs.