A winning design concept and team have been selected by Northamptonshire County Council for a major new office development in the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone.
Project Angel is a key Northampton Alive project which will save taxpayers millions and give the heart of the town a major cash-injection by moving council staff out of 12 ageing sites into one energy efficient, low carbon building.
The move will save taxpayers £54 million in future running costs and bring 2,000 staff with £12 million spending power into the town centre.
Competing designs were exhibited in June, followed by a rigorous selection process which resulted in BDP Ltd being awarded the contract.
“This project is so important not only in helping us rise to our significant and ever growing financial challenges but also in helping to give real support toNorthamptontown centre’s economy,” said county council leader, Cllr Jim Harker.
BDP Ltd was one of six design teams which took part in the selection process and public exhibitions.
The company is an international architectural practice with a strong track record of designing major headquarter buildings, both for the public and private sectors.
The next step will be for BDP Ltd to work alongside the council to develop the design so that it can be submitted for planning permission in February 2014. The council will then select a construction company and work should start on site early in 2015.
Cllr David Mackintosh, Northampton Borough Council leader, said:
“Project Angel is one of the cornerstones of our redevelopment strategy.
“It is fantastic to watch yet another Northampton Alive project reach a significant milestone and we look forward to receiving a planning application in due course.
“With preparations in progress for the redevelopment of our railway station, work set to start new commercial properties at St Peter’s Waterside and the recent agreements with Northampton Saints and Northampton Town Football Club, I don’t think there’s any doubt that our town is on the up.”
For more information onNorthamptonWaterside Enterprise Zone see: http://northamptonez.co.uk/.
