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Plans to make centre more shopper-friendly
Plans to redevelop a town centre and make it more pedestrian-friendly have been unveiled.
Kettering Council is looking for people's views on the proposals, which could see sections of Market Place, Market Street and Sheep Street in the town pedestrianised as part of the multi-million pound town centre redevelopment.
Work on the 2.2m project in the Market Place has almost finished and councillors are preparing for the next phase of the regeneration scheme which aims to offer people "a distinctive and vibrant town centre that will ensure Kettering is a focal point for North Northamptonshire".
The plans for Sheep Street and Market Place could see a ban on traffic, apart from buses and taxis, and additional parking places around the pedestrianised section at Horsemarket and Sheep Street.
What do you think of the town centre plans? Let us know your views by signing-in and posting your comments at the bottom of the page.
Cllr Jim Hakewill, leader of Kettering Council, said: "This next phase of public realm works will be of the same high quality as the newly refurbished Market Place, showing that regeneration in Kettering town centre is ongoing.
"It is encouraging to see that there is continued investment in the town centre, secured from central Government sources, despite the difficult economic conditions.
"The work will help integrate the Market Place with the rest of the town centre by improving the quality of the environment, encouraging pedestrian movement and regenerating the area."
Cllr Hakewill added: "Borough councillors made a promise to our residents that we would seek to get infrastructure, jobs, then housing – this town centre infrastructure will not only benefit today's residents, but also those who we will be welcoming to our borough in the future.
"It is important that the borough council hears from local people, to make sure we end up with a scheme that meets everybody's needs".
The project is being partly funded by the North Northants Development Company and will see parts of the town centre redeveloped into a continental-style cafe and restaurant area.
There will also be a bid to attract large shops and a department store to the town centre.
Simon Evans, chief executive of North Northants Development Company, said: "These latest exciting plans for the Market Place show Kettering Council's commitment to delivering a transformed town centre that residents will be proud of.
"NNDC continues to support the council's long-term vision for a revitalised Kettering and we urge everyone to take this opportunity to get involved."
But Kettering resident Victoria Foley, of St Alban's Close, said the
pedestrianised areas must be enforced.
She said: "I don't like walking through the town centre because so many cars drive through it, even though they're not meant to."
If you would like to register your comments on the proposals go to http://consult.kettering.gov.uk/portal or email planningpolicy@kettering.gov.uk.
Residents can also write to Infrastructure Team, Development Services, Kettering Borough Council, Kettering, NN15 7QX before July 22.
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Weather for Kettering
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
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