The earth was broken today on the next stage of the Market Place regeneration in Kettering. The Market Place buildings which will flank the southern edge of the Market Place form the next phase in the regeneration of the town centre and will draw more people to an already vibrant Market Place.
In the weeks since the Market Place has been completed, it has already become a popular place for people to meet, sit, chat and for children to play in the fountains.
The new buildings will see restaurants and possibly cafes coming to the Market Place giving people in the town somewhere to enjoy a bite to eat and sit and catch up with friends and family.
Monday will see the launch of the work as representatives from contractor John Sisk & Son Ltd (Sisk) join Kettering Borough Council and other partners to mark the start of enabling works on the site.
The initial phase will see preparatory investigation works being undertaken to confirm the condition of the ground and locate tree roots and services under the surface to ensure these aren’t damaged during the works.
Speaking about the start of work on the site Cllr Jim Hakewill, Leader of the Council said:
“It is wonderful to see the next phase of the Market Place underway, as we continue to invest and improve the area.
I had the great privilege of speaking to many people at the Market Place launch and hearing how they were enjoying the activities and being in the new Market Place. These new buildings will give people more opportunities to spend time in the town enjoying something to eat in a fantastic new environment.
Sisk have been appointed to undertake the design and construction of the new market place buildings.
Speaking about the project Chris Dyer Director Midlands Region Sisk said
“We are delighted to be appointed to design and build the Market Place Buildings which will contribute to the town centre’s regeneration.
As a midlands based contractor we look forward to bringing the construction expertise we have on projects like this to the scheme to preserve and improve the environment for the wider community.”
Representatives from NNDC and NEL were also delighted to see the next phase of the work starting.
Simon Evans, Chief Executive of North Northants Development Company (NNDC), said:
“It is vital that we maintain the momentum of key developments across North Northamptonshire so we are delighted to be supporting the next phase of the Market Place development and to see it being brought forward so quickly.
The restaurant quarter planned for this area will help develop the evening economy in Kettering and ensure the town becomes a natural focus for community life.”
The new buildings will also see part of the town’s history being restored. Old photographs of the town show the buildings that used to flank the Market Place. The new buildings will bring both businesses and residents to the area contributing to the feel of the Market Place as place that people enjoy and want to return to.