Waterside Campus – next stage in The University of Northampton’s development plans approved

The landmark University development would provide a town centre based campus. Once developed, the new location on the River Nene would be in close proximity to the new planned halls of residence and would also be situated in an existing Enterprise Zone.

The Waterside Campus site is part of Avon Nunn Mills and is within the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone​, one of 21 enterprise zones in England.

Delia Heneghan, Director of Marketing said:

This new Waterside Campus will place us in the heart of the community making us much more accessible, central and visible. It would also enable us to deliver our mission of being the number one university for social enterprise though a co-ordinated programme to develop projects regionally, nationally and internationally.

It is a hugely exciting project and a massive undertaking with an investment of more than £330m. If it progresses as we hope we could be moving in to start ground work in 2015, with the campus opening sometimes between 2018 and 2020.

Delia Heneghan, Director of Marketing

The principle of a major mixed-use development at Avon Nunn Mills is enshrined in local planning policy and is supported by the local authorities.

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) has commenced a Compulsory Purchase Order to address fragmented land ownership and support the delivery of a major mixed-use scheme at the site. This process is expected to conclude by the end of 2012.

WNDC has also commenced the procurement of a developer partner for the site and is currently seeking expressions of interest from prospective partners. The University will be registering their interest as part of that process.