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Regeneration site name could be chosen by public

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire
News imageCapital&Centric An AI generated image of a new building for Northampton Town Centre. It shows trees to the left, people walking past, buildings at the front and behind, and a number of flats. The colours are muted. Capital&Centric
Capital&Centric have released an AI image of what the new development could look like, saying the scheme was "still a work in progress"

The company behind a town centre redevelopment project have revealed residents will have a chance to decide the name of the site.

Work is ongoing at the old M&S and BHS site on Abington Street in Northampton to transform the area, currently known as Albert's Yard.

Developers Capital & Centric said it wanted people to take part in its consultation so they can "help shape what comes next".

The plans include 250 new homes, gardens, a mix of retail and leisure units on the ground floor with the vision of transforming a "tired stretch of the high street into somewhere full of life", it added.

News imageAlex Pope/BBC An area of Northampton, where buildings have been knocked down, with people walking past it and lamp posts in front of wooden boards. A block of flats is behind and buildings to the right. A flower bed is to the right. Alex Pope/BBC
The two former department stores have both been knocked down

Capital & Centric said it was working with West Northamptonshire Council to "reimagine the site" into a new modern neighbourhood.

A consultation event will take place on Wednesday 6 May, from 15:00 BST to 19:00 at Zapato Lounge.

"The site is currently known as Albert's Yard, but residents will also be asked for their ideas on a new name for the community", it added.

News imageAlex Pope/BBC A road in Northampton, with white and red barriers along the road. A demolition site is ahead, showing where two buildings were. There is rubble ahead and other buildings behind. A lamp post is in the middle. A statue to the left. Alex Pope/BBC
The site is right in the middle of Northampton town centre

Reform UK councillor James Petter, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at the council, said: "Transforming these former department stores into a welcoming, outward‑looking neighbourhood is a major opportunity to strengthen our town centre, support local businesses and create new places for people to live, meet and relax.

"This consultation is a key chance for residents to see the emerging plans, share their views and help shape what comes next for the heart of Northampton."

Andrew Davison, development director at Capital & Centric, said: "We're looking to turn a tired stretch of the high street into somewhere full of life, with new homes, independent operators and green space all coming together to create a buzzing neighbourhood."

An online consultation continues until 22 May.

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