Northampton's Grosvenor Centre redevelopment uncertain

New developers could be found to revamp a Northampton shopping centre.

It follows the withdrawal of a £250m plan by Legal and General Properties to carry out work on the Grosvenor.

The scheme would have seen the modernisation of the centre and the construction of a bus station on the town's Fishmarket.

But David Mackintosh, leader of the conservative-led borough council, pledged the authority would "push ahead" with the new bus station.

"We were very disappointed with the decision of Legal and General not to push ahead with the planning application for the Grosvenor centre, but we are working with them having fortnightly meetings to try and ascertain what can come of the plans.

"It's important we keep all options open for the redevelopment of that site. That site is the key for the future of retail in the town and that's why it's important we push ahead with the bus station," he said.

The council has pledged £3m to support the new station, and the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, a regeneration group, has pledged £8m.

This is made up of £4m to buy out the current lease on the existing Greyfriars Bus Station, held by Stagecoach, and £4m towards the building work.

A planning application for the new bus depot is set to be considered by the council later this month.