A former tram depot in Northampton is the subject of proposals by a local community group which could see the building, which dates from 1904, transformed into a new heritage exhibition and enterprise centre. The depot has been used as a bus garage since the closure of the local tram system, but has recently been put up for sale by its owners, the First bus group.
The St James Residents Association have made a request to Northampton Borough Council to ensure that this historic building survives, suggesting that it seeks listed building status to protect it. The residents have expressed a desire to use the former tram shed as a home for special exhibitions and recreational activities, and to be used to promote local businesses. This would tie in well with current developments nearby, with the focus of the surrounding area being to encourage businesses to trade in Northampton and to boost employment.
A Council leader has stated that he will meet with the Residents Association shortly to discuss their ideas, and hopefully a scheme can be drawn up that will fit in with the area’s economic development whilst also acknowledging the town’s heritage. Having survived for more than a century, let us hope that this valuable reminder of a long-lost tram system will stay standing for many years to come, ideally serving a valuable role to benefit local residents.
If you wish to keep up to date with the progress of our campaign or wish to help out by writing to the council to stress the importance of the depot, then have a look at our webpage; http://www.sjra.info/stjamesnctbusgarage.html
Thanks, Graham