Work began last week to create four kilometres (two and a half miles) of connected walking and cycling routes along Northampton’s River Nene. West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) has invested £400,000 in this section of the national Sustrans Connect2 scheme, which is being delivered by Northamptonshire County Council (NCC). £1 million was provided by Sustrans from the £50 million they were awarded from the Big Lottery Fund, Northampton Borough Council (NBC) has invested £0.5 million into the scheme, whilst the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) provided £100,000 through WNDC. The £2 million, three metre wide ‘greenway’ will run along the river from Upton Way to Cotton End with further routes extending to St James Road and Danes Camp Way.
When complete, in Spring 2009, the new paths will link with existing networks in the town centre and Hunsbury making it easier for Northampton residents to get around in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Other elements of the project include the replacement of two bridges over the river, new lighting columns and community art as well as gateway features, seating areas and signs along the route.
Harj Dhaliwal, director of infrastructure delivery, at WNDC commented: “By injecting half a million pounds of Growth Funding into this project, WNDC has helped bring extra connectivity to Northampton town centre and nearby residential areas. The paths will be wide and well lit to encourage a safe and sustainable way of travel. Improving wildlife conservation and the overall landscape are also important steps in rejuvenating Northampton’s waterside.”
County council cabinet member for transport and highways, Cllr Bob Seery said: “This is another good example of partnership working in which the county council has played an important part in achieving an excellent environmentally-based scheme for the benefit of the people of Northamptonshire.
“It fully accords with the county council’s strategy of encouraging in every possible way the use of other means of travel than by use of the motor car not least by assisting in addressing the issue of congestion on our roads. I therefore believe that the implementation of the scheme for which we were successful in obtaining some Lottery funding will be welcomed by all concerned.”
Patrick Davis, the area manager for Sustrans in the East Midlands, added: “I’m delighted that Northamptonshire County Council and its partners have been able to start work on its exciting scheme so promptly. An excellent start to 2009!”
Councillor Richard Church, cabinet member for regeneration at Northampton Borough Council, said: “This project will be a great way to encourage people to leave their cars at home, improve fitness levels and overall act as a greener alternative means of getting about and into town.”
Anthony Payne, Director of Land and Development at East Midlands Development Agency, stated: “emda is delighted to have been able to contribute £100,000 Waterways Programme Funding towards the Connect2 scheme along Northampton Waterside. The route will link in with the production of a Northampton Waterside Development Programme for key sites in the south west of the town centre to which emda has committed £400,000 in anticipation of encouraging economic growth and investment.”
The new waterside network will encourage more active lifestyles as well as providing new opportunities for environmental and heritage education about Northampton and the River Nene.
