The Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project, a £4 million partnership between North Northamptonshire Council and Historic England, is working to revitalise parts of Kettering town centre to improve the look and feel of the town’s street scene and showcase all it has to offer.
Across England, the £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is being delivered by Historic England with local partners, will unlock the potential of high streets, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery and breathe new life into it for future generations.
The aim is to transform and restore disused and dilapidated buildings into new homes, shops, workplaces and community spaces, restoring local historic character and improving public realm.
Street scene improvements will begin in January in Kettering town centre along the southern end of the High Street, Meadow Road and parts of Lower Street and Gold Street. The works are due to be completed by summer 2022.
As part of the works, new street trees will be planted to enhance the existing planting. Replacement pavement and road surfaces, new seating and bins will be designed to improve functionality for users and compliment the town’s rich heritage, encouraging visitors to look up at Kettering’s fine historic buildings.
Building owners will also benefit from the HSHAZ scheme with grants available for building repairs, shopfront improvements and building conversions.
Cllr David Brackenbury, NNC’s Executive Member for Growth & Regeneration, said: “This exciting programme of works will breathe new life into Kettering’s town centre and unlock its potential. It is hoped that this work will encourage people to visit and stay a while and use the businesses and services available in Kettering.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the NNC, said: “I am delighted that this phase of the project is starting, and we will all be able to enjoy the improvements by summer next year. This exciting project will see the area revitalised and I cannot wait to see the end result.”
Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Midlands Regional Director, said: “Kettering has a great High Street with many fine buildings and huge potential. Historic England is excited to be funding these major improvements to the street scene. Good design, traditional and high quality materials will ensure these works complement the unique character of Kettering’s town centre.”
