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Events will celebrate opening day in Kettering
A programme of events is being planned to mark the official opening of Kettering's Market Place over the August bank holiday.
After months of waiting, shoppers will finally be able to see the new-look site, which will include an amphitheatre, water features, a timeline and a glass canopy.
The work is due to be completed in August and Kettering Council has urged people to make the latest development a success.
A host of activities is planned to mark the milestone, including the return of Kettering by the Sea and performances by jazz bands and dance troupes.
Work to transform the Market Place was already under way when the firm behind the redevelopment – Wrekin Construction – went into administration.
But a new contractor was quickly found and the project was not delayed, with Kettering Council leader Jim Hakewill saying they had always aimed for a summer completion date.
"People will be able to use the Market Place once again," he said.
"It will be a more community-focused place and the whole concept is to make it more attractive place for people to come and meet and sit and watch the various events."
The Market Place has had several overhauls over the years but Cllr Hakewill said what will make this latest redevelopment a success is support from the people of Kettering.
He also said progress was being made with the new buildings planned for Market Place to create a restaurant quarter.
Funding is in place and designs are being drawn up for the buildings, which will be sited on the former car park.
The revamp of Market Place is part of the council's regeneration of the town centre, which aims to create different quarters, such as an area of niche and independent shops and a station quarter.
Earlier this month, Kettering Council met with retailers to discuss what could be done to help encourage more shoppers into the town.
It was revealed that a budget of 12,000 has been set aside for events in the town to attract people in.
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Weather for Kettering
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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