Construction work on Northampton Enterprise Zone’s new railway station has started.

The £20 million development will create more space and improve facilities, to support continued economic growth within the Zone.

John Markham, Chairman of West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, said:

“After years of planning, design and securing resources, seeing work start on the station is a special moment for the town. The scheme is at the forefront of Northampton’s regeneration.”

The current station reaches capacity at peak times, but these works will double the space, supporting commercial expansion plans in the wider Enterprise Zone by facilitating increased commuter travel.

The new station will also have bigger and better shops, cafés and waiting areas.

Cllr David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said:

“At last we will have a railway station worthy of a town the size and importance of Northampton.

“As a key gateway to the Enterprise Zone, this will be a facility we can be proud of and will present a fitting welcome for visitors to our town. This announcement is one of the most significant signals yet that Northampton is Alive and open for business.”

Cllr Jim Harker, Leader of Northamptonshire County Council, said:

“The redevelopment of Northampton Railway Station is a key element in the regeneration of Northampton and in bringing prosperity to the county as a whole.

“The County Council is pleased to be playing a major part in the project, working with partners to bring it forward today. Northampton Railway Station is the principal gateway to Northampton and it is right that we should all work together to give it the importance and status that it needs to attract more inward investment and create a prosperous economy.”

The station will open in Autumn 2014. Further longer-term phases of the development may include a 1,270 space multi-storey car park, as well as a 28,000 sqm commercial development.

For more information on Northampton Entperise Zone see: http://northamptonez.co.uk/.