Work starts to demolish Towcester's former Co-op site

The derelict Co-op area in Towcester with public parking will remain inaccessible from now until Spring 2023 as the site is demolished and prepared to made into a large parking area for the town.

The site, which had included 70 parking spaces, was bought by the former South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) in July 2020 and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is now completing the project.

The community on Facebook have commented on the disruptions where some have complained and said: “It doesn't encourage people to the High Street in the run up to Christmas, wish it was happening in the New Year,” and “Towcester has systematically been ruined over the last 35 years. They call it progress.”

Councillor Daniel Lister WNC’s cabinet member for economic development town centre regeneration and growth said: "It will increase accessibility to shops and services and will help future-proof the town centre for the growing population."

In addition to the demolition and expansion of the car park, the project will see the additional lighting, CCTV, landscaping, and work to walkways, which will make the car park safer and more accessible. New motorbike parking and a bike shelter will also be included. During the work, the car park and public toilets will be closed for public use. WNC will continue to work with nearby businesses and residents to keep them fully informed of the project.

Once complete the short stay parking spaces will align with short stay restrictions elsewhere in the town: three hours free parking between 8am and 6pm, no return within three hours. The number of disabled and family parking spaces will also be increased as part of the project which also includes the potential to expand upon the existing electric charging points installed in 2021.

SNC acquired the site for £775,000 using overage generated by the sale of the site of the former council offices in Springfields. The demolition and works to expand the car park are funded by the WNC revenue and capital budgets.