Category: Construction
We are delighted to announce we have started work on the multi-million-pound transformation of Northampton’s Market Square for client West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).
The scheme, which has been procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework is located at the heart of the town. Northampton’s Market Square is set to be transformed to better reflect the wonderful, historic public space that it is. As well as the use of high-quality paving and materials, the improved facilities will include a flexible event space, bespoke fixed stalls, more trees, tiered seating and an interactive water feature.
Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC were joined by Stepnell representatives Adrian Barnes, Regional Director, Jenna Weedon Business Development Manager, Stacey Brooke, Social Value Manager and George Jarman, Quantity Surveyor.
Commemorating the occasion with a ground-breaking ceremony, key stakeholders came together to mark the start of the project, which will take shape over the next 18 months.
“For years many have expressed the wish for the market square to be improved and rejuvenated, so today marks a key moment in the redevelopment of Northampton Town Centre as work begin to transform Northampton’s historic Market Square.
“The new-look square is set to provide a focal point for businesses and visitors. We look forward to working closely with Stepnell to see the vision that people have told us they want to see for this space come to life over the next 18 months.
“In the meantime, I would urge everyone to support our traders at the market’s new temporary location at Commercial Street Car Park, before we welcome them back to a revitalised Market Square next year.”
Cllr Dan Lister, West Northamptonshire Council
“We are excited to be commencing the redevelopment of the Market Square in Northampton town centre.
“This is an important project in the transformation and regeneration of the town centre and we are proud to be part of the Council’s vision for the town”.
Adrian Barnes, Regional Director at Stepnell.
We are looking forward to working with WNC to set targets to be delivered in social value, through improving the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the local area. Aligned to our Procure Partnerships Framework social value KPIs, the targets are made up of commitments to:
- Support as many businesses as possible with the potential disruption whilst works are carried out.
- Special attention is to be applied to independent businesses who will find the transition particularly challenging such as cafe track
- Supporting our sub-contractors, specifically Danaher and Walsh with their social value commitments to provide support to the Northamptonshire community
- Regular community meetings with business and the community to discuss concerns, issues, development updates and social value delivered.
- Employing a local workforce and local supply chain within 30 miles
- Donating voluntary hours to working with local schools and colleges, delivery careers support
- Providing opportunities for apprentices and trainee to gain experience on site
- Car sharing and recycling schemes
