Sponsored by
Housing and leisure complex for derelict hospital site
A developer is preparing to unveil new plans for a housing and leisure complex on the site of a derelict Northampton hospital.
A multi-million pound scheme to redevelop St Edmund's Hospital, in Wellingborough Road, has been redrawn by site owner Rochmills after initial proposals hit a snag with planning authorities.
The revised plans, which include a hotel, restaurants, bars, shops, leisure facilities and sheltered apartments, are set to be revealed to residents and councillors in the area next week.
Northampton Borough councillor Ifty Choudary (Lab, St Crispin) said he hoped the move would finally herald a new lease of life for the site, nearly four years after demolition work began there.
He said: "I'm glad the developer is bringing its plans to the table and allowing residents to have their say.
"All I wish for is that progress can be made with this site quickly and we start to see some results.
"The hospital site has been an eyesore for several years and many people will be hoping these plans represent a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel."
Rochmills began demolition work at the former hospital in 2004 and plans were first unveiled last spring for the site to be transformed into a hotel and leisure complex.
But although construction work on a three-storey restaurant got underway soon afterwards, Rochmills were forced to rethink the remaining development after planning officials declared it "unauthorised".
Neighbours have expressed concerns the listed buildings still standing at the site were being left to fall into disrepair and the area was becoming a magnet for anti-social behaviour.
But a Rochmills spokesman said: "It is unfortunate the perception of the site is one of delay, when in reality a substantial amount of work has been done formulating a new design and focus for the site.
"We understand security is of great concern to residents, as it is to us, but I am pleased to confirm we have had no recent security problems on the site.
"We believe the best way to secure the site and ease concern for local residents is to develop the site, and this remains Rochmills' primary focus."
The latest proposals are being presented at a meeting of the St Crispin's Neighbourhood Partnership at the Guildhall in Northampton next Thursday, February 21, at 7.30pm.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to the borough council this summer.
ed.omara@northantsnews.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
