EMPA

Constructors start to make a splash in the Market Square

Equipment and workers have arrived on the site of the borough council’s latest town centre improvement project – a seven jet fountain at the Abington Street gateway to the Market Square.

Installation of the water feature, which will be surrounded by a circular granite area and ground lighting, starts later this week and is due to be completed by the end of April. Up lighters will beautifully highlight seven jets of water that will erupt from the ground and new seats will be installed nearby, making it the perfect area to take in the atmosphere of the historic Market Square

As part of the ongoing regeneration of the Market Square and town centre, a water feature was requested by people in Northampton through a consultation about the area’s future. Once the fountain is completed in April, the Abington Street entrance will be transformed – it will be a much more welcoming corner, encouraging residents and visitors into the Market Square to shop or enjoy events.

Northampton Borough Councillor and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Richard Church, said: "A fountain is something people wanted to see reinstated in the town so I’m sure that as the installation progresses it will be really interesting for passers by. There won’t be any major disruptions to the area and the businesses around the south-east corner of the market will be open as usual.

“It will be a real focal point for the centre of Northampton where people can meet up or relax on the new seating. Once it is complete it will make the main gateway into our historic Market Square a special place for people who are going shopping or to our range of exciting events.”