Demolition progresses at St James Bus Depot as regeneration plans advance

05 August 2025

West Northamptonshire Council’s ambitious regeneration of the former St James Bus Depot in Northampton is well underway, with significant progress made on the enabling works that will pave the way for over 70 much-needed family homes. 

As of late July 2025, demolition works are approximately 70% complete, marking a major milestone in transforming the long-vacant 4.5-acre brownfield site into a vibrant new neighbourhood. The internal strip-out of the buildings is also 70% complete, while asbestos sheet roof removal has reached 70%. Work on the removal of notifiable asbestos, a critical and carefully managed process which takes considerable time, is currently 30% complete. 

These works are being carried out by Armac Demolition, appointed by the Council following a competitive procurement process. The project is supported by £1.368 million in funding from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund, which is enabling essential remediation and site preparation. 

The regeneration will retain and sensitively restore the Grade II listed Transport Office, preserving key elements of Northampton’s transport heritage. Where feasible, original facades of the early 1900s tram depot will also be retained, maintaining a strong link to the town’s past. 

"The regeneration of St James Depot is progressing well and remains a key part of our vision to create high-quality homes while recognising Northampton’s unique heritage. We’re pleased with the pace of the enabling works and look forward to the next phase of this exciting project." Cllr James Petter, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure

The Council will soon begin the process of selecting a development partner to bring forward the full scheme, which will align with the emerging West Northamptonshire Local Plan and include supporting infrastructure such as schools and healthcare services.