Cash boost towards cinema, swimming pool and library for town
Plans for a new community hub for Weston Favell, including a swimming pool, cinema, and library, are one step closer to realisation after West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) pledged GBP25m to the regeneration project. It is hoped it will “level up” the neighbourhood, recently named one of the 20% most deprived in the country. The GBP45.1m regeneration project would replace several “outdated” community buildings near Weston Favell Shopping Centre and replace them with new community facilities including a new home for health and social services.
WNC decided to support the project at its last full meeting last Thursday, June 30. Councillors agreed to support the regeneration of deprived area with with GBP25.1 million of funds. But this was on condition that their application for GBP20 million from the Government’s GBP4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund (LUF) was successful.
READ MORE: Moment lad dubbed “Silverstone legend” performs backflip off ice cream truck at British Grand Prix The second round of LUF investment was announced in March as part of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement. According to the Government website, it is “designed to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.”
Northampton has been ranked as the 105th most deprived area in the UK, putting it within the top third of the country. Weston Favell is considered in the top 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, whilst nearby Riverside is in the top 10%. In June, WNC decided to proceed with plans to consolidate what they called “several outdated community buildings.” These include Lings Forum leisure centre, Weston Favell health centre, Olympus House, the Forum, Weston Favell Library and Weston Favell Police Station.
If the application to the LUF is successful, these buildings would be demolished and replaced with a brand new campus of community buildings. These facilities would include:
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- Leisure centre with a new swimming pool, learner pool, gym, exercise studios, sports hall, changing rooms and ancillary accommodation
- Library with quiet study areas, exhibition space, meetings rooms and staff areas
- A two-screen cinema
- Community hub with a lobby area, public seating, cafe, meeting and consultation rooms
- Adult services with office space, activity rooms, sensory rooms, function space and ancillary accommodation
- Children services with contact and family rooms, baby rooms, meetings and interview rooms, outdoor play area and ancillary accommodation
- GP practices with access to additional clinical space and minor operations room
- A dental practice
- Opportunity for additional services such as maternity and physiotherapy services
Cllr Daniel Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, said: “It is right the public money should be invested where it is most needed, and this area was laid out when ideas on design and planning were very different. “It will be very far from a like for like replacement, this will deliver genuine improvements to the access and quality of vital public services and its impact will be felt throughout the community in the east of Northampton.
Improving the look and feel of the area is just the start, better health facilities mean better outcomes and a higher quality of life for those who need the most help.” “It’s about time the people of Weston Favell and the surrounding area have something at the heart of their community that they can be proud of and will enjoy visiting.” WNC said Weston Favell is one of several projects chosen for LUF applications, but they were already underway and at a stage where there was enough detail required for a successful application.
Other areas in need within Northampton have also been earmarked by the council for future funding applications. The LUF application will be sent to the Government next month, alongside the council’s financial support for the project. A decision from the Government is expected in late 2022.
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