Government pledges half of redevelopment鈥檚 拢20m cost

Northampton Castle Station

Northampton Castle Station

Northampton Castle Station

The government has confirmed that it will provide half of the funding for the 拢20m redevelopment of Northampton Station - giving the project the green light.

The Department for Communities and Local Government will each contribute 拢5m towards the cost of the scheme, which will double the size of the existing building.

Partners Network Rail, Northamptonshire County Council and project lead West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) are among those finding the remaining 拢10m.

WNDC chair John Markham said the government funding announcement was the culmination of five years of hard work.

鈥淭he new station will be a modern gateway to Northampton, and support new development in the Waterside Enterprise Zone,鈥 he said.

鈥淭his investment reflects the government鈥檚 confidence in the area as a leading economic growth location.鈥

Network Rail route managing director Jo Kaye said Northampton was a growing town and it was right that its station was fit for the future.

鈥淭he improvements planned for Northampton station will help create jobs, drive and support continued economic growth in the area and make travelling by train an easier and more pleasant experience for passengers,鈥 she said.

鈥淲e have built a strong working relationship with WNDC and we will continue to work with them on this project for the benefit of rail users and the local community.鈥

Outline plans for the new station building were approved in October 2011 and construction is anticipated to start by the end of this year.

Potential later phases include a 1,270 space multi-storey car park and a 28,000 m2 office development.