The regeneration of Wellingborough’s High Street and Jackson’s Lane is back on the agenda.
Discussions have once again taken place over the plot of land which has been earmarked for major re-development in the town centre.
Wellingborough Council has been working on proposals for the site for a number of years, but funding and the securing of key plots of land has meant progression has been slow.
Concerns had also been raised about the possible loss of some buildings on the site, including the Drill Hall and Queen’s Hall.
At a recent council meeting, members were given four options for the site, which included starting from scratch and developing new ideas and using the original proposal.
Speaking before voting took place, Cllr Martin Griffiths said: “This has gone on long enough. If we go for option B, negotiations with the developer can begin tomorrow. It’s long overdue and we can work together to achieve the best results for the people of the borough.”
It was unanimously agreed to stay with the original preferred developer Keepmoat, but adjust the proposed scheme to exclude the Drill Hall, Queen’s Hall and car park from the land they will sell to them.
This also means that the council can keep hold of that land with a view to creating a leisure or retail development in the future.
The current planning application is for 109 dwellings, but that is yet to be considered by the planning committee.
During the meeting, it was also agreed that deciding on the future of the area including the Drill Hall and Queen’s Hall, plus final negotiations with the developer, will all go back to the council for further discussions before any decisions are made.
For more information about the history of the site and previous proposals for it, go to http://www.wellingborough.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/862/council.