Feedback from L&G Grosvenor Centre Public Exhibition Announced
Following the public exhibition on the proposed extension of the Grosvenor Centre in Northampton which was held in March, Legal & General has now announced feedback from the exhibition which was given by the public.
Hundreds of people came to the exhibition in March to hear about the plans to extend the Grosvenor Centre. Attendees were also able to give feedback on what they wanted to see more and less of in Northampton and at the Centre.
Using post-it notes on specially designed boards or postcards sent to L&G, people said they wanted to see an improved environment, with more choice and larger shops, but also a diverse array of shops catering to a variety of price points. A mixture of big department stores and well known high street brands alongside independent shops, small boutiques and specialist shops were also demanded. A wide range of shops, from DIY to shoe shops and children’s clothing shops to kitchenware shops were highlighted.
The catering offer also needed to be improved, with more coffee shops and restaurants catering to a range of price levels.
Shoppers also requested better areas for young children, including a crèche, baby changing and play areas and improved facilities such as toilets and more seating provision. They also wanted the centre to have longer opening hours, which could include late night shopping and events hosted in the centre.
Safety was a key concern, with many people wanting fewer dark corners and drinking in the town centre. Overall, they wanted to keep the Grosvenor Centre and the Market as the centre for Northampton shopping.
Plans for the Centre include more new shops, restaurants and public spaces as well as significant improvements to the existing shopping areas and car parks. There will also be better facilities for young families to provide the quality of facilities required by a 21st Century Shopping Environment.
The future location of the bus interchange was a major talking point over the two days of the exhibition, with everyone agreeing that good connections between buses and the town centre was vital, as well as safety and good facilities for bus users.
Simon Russian, Senior Fund Manager at L&G said:
“It was fantastic to see so many people come down to hear more about the future of the Grosvenor Centre and respond with their own feedback, which we found very valuable. The response to our plans was very positive and most people were delighted to see that the scheme was progressing.
“The feedback shows our plans to bring more shops and facilities are the things that people are demanding for the town centre. We look forward to working with the new Council leadership on progressing with the plans.
‘The first stage in the process is to agree the location of the new bus interchange to enable the development to proceed, which our partners at NBC/NCC are working very hard to resolve at present.”
Councillor David Palethorpe, Leader of Northampton Borough Council said: "The recent exhibition has shown that people in Northampton want to see the redevelopment of the Grosvenor Centre. There is clearly a real appetite from shoppers for a wider range of shops and stores.
"I am keen to see the redevelopment happen as soon as possible, and following my recent meeting with Legal & General I am confident they are just as enthusiastic and committed to working with us to improve our town centre. This is a huge investment that will create jobs and business opportunities, helping us to put Northampton back on track as we make our town centre a vibrant economic hub."
A planning application for the redevelopment of the Grosvenor Centre is expected to be submitted for consideration by Northampton Borough Council in the early part of 2012. Subject to planning permission, the redevelopment could be complete by 2017.