The freehold lease for what used to be Ecton Brook Public House is set to be sold by Northampton Borough Council, to local entrepreneur Bipin Patel, and he intends to turn it into a centre for community use.
People and organisations in Northampton were encouraged to submit their ideas for what should be done with the vacant building towards the end of last year, with the plan proposed by Patel being the chosen one.
Patel commented:
“My aim is to contribute to the wellbeing of Ecton Brook residents by developing affordable community spaces where people can socialise, participate in recreational and other activities and receive information as well as services.”
He added that the amount of backing offered already by residents had greatly encouraged him in moving the project forward.
Patel will be able to rely on promotional poster printing in Northampton, as he seeks to publicise the project and get as many residents involved as possible.
The borough council cabinet member responsible for enterprise, regeneration and planning, Tim Hadland, stated that the proposal represented a superb example of people living in the town identifying its needs and making the necessary moves to address them.