Public exhibition for St John’s development

In April, the University was granted planning permission to build a new Hall of Residence on the site, and on 19 June took ownership of the site having appointed Kier Construction Ltd as the main contractor to construct the residences.

Work on site has now started, with Kier undertaking archaeological and ground investigative work. This work involves controlled excavation in two areas of the car park, and the digging of trial holes over the next week to carry out survey work. Site hoardings are also being erected in preparation for early construction work on site in the week commencing 9 July.

At the public exhibition, which is open from 4.30-7.30pm on Tuesday 3 July at The Guildhall (Court Room), local residents, businesses and other interested parties will be able to talk to representatives from the University of Northampton and Kier. They will also be able to view a 4-D model of the Halls of Residence, and see how the construction is planned to develop ahead of its scheduled opening in December 2013.

The University’s Director of Infrastructure Services, Gill Winder, said. “We are excited to be moving forward with the construction of this vibrant student accommodation, but remain mindful of the concerns which some residents have had about the scheme in the past and would like to reassure them of our commitment to being a good neighbour over the forthcoming months and years.”

“We appreciate that local people might like more information about the building programme, the Considerate Constructors Scheme being implemented by Kier and how we will manage the residences once they are open, which is why we are hosting this exhibition.”

We see this development as being vital for the future of both the University and the town as a whole and are fully committed to continuing to work with local residents and businesses to create something the whole community may benefit from.

Gill Winder, University of Northampton

Interested parties are also being encouraged to visit to the project website, http://www.stjohnsnorthampton.co.uk/. People can use the website to put any questions to the University project team leading the development.