Addressing uncertain market conditions
The current environment of uncertainty for rail travel and business as a result of Covid-19, continues to create challenging market conditions for town centres. To create a viable scheme that generates value for Kettering Borough Council was key to the masterplan delivery.
Delivering a viable masterplan
The masterplan is phased with short, medium and long term outputs to release the key benefits at the station in stages and to aid the viability of the scheme as a whole. Phase 1 will focus on the station interchange, improving the passenger experience and urban realm to enable the gateway and future commercial and residential development.
Comprehensive engagement with the wide stakeholder group and local community was undertaken to ensure best case alignment of their priorities with the overall requirements of the masterplan. The project’s main constraints and opportunities along with high-level proposals were presented during the Town Centre Conference building strong support from the local community. Additionally through working with the project stakeholders we were able to understand the early phase priority projects, sequencing these into the masterplan phasing.
Sustainable design
Kettering Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, committing to support and facilitate improved green spaces, provide new council housing, encourage sustainable transport methods and renewable energy technologies. Our masterplan works to support Kettering’s achieve these sustainable ambitions. The masterplan seeks to serve the town’s multi-generational community through a car-free development, combined with affordable housing and public spaces that focus on eco-friendly activities such as nature trails and urban farming. We implemented Garden City principles with a dense walkable neighbourhood of housing, industry, culture and multi-functional greenspaces, supported by an integrated and accessible public transport system.