Vision of the future

NEARLY 1,000 jobs could be created and a university brought to the area as part of two new plans revealing a massive expansion of  Kettering and Corby, North Northamptonshire, England.

At least £100m is expected to be pumped into the two town centres over the next five years, with private investment set to double the amount.

And both towns could be vying to attract the same big name High Street departments stores, with the possibility of  Debenhams coming to the area.

Last night  Kettering Borough Council unveiled its  Masterplan to overhaul huge areas of the town centre, confirming its desire to move the council offices out of town.

Leader  Councillor Jim Hakewill also revealed he wants to work with  The University of Northampton and  The University of Leicester to explore the possibility of locating a town campus.

Developers yesterday unveiled the second phase of its town centre development plans, with an £80m investment likely to create 600 jobs.

The scheme will build on the £35m  Willow Place shopping centre due to open in October. An 80,000 sq ft department store will be the jewel in the crown of the second-phase development, which will include 20 shops and quality flats.

Kettering revealed its plans aim to attract two nationally-recognised retailers to the area, developing the plan over four years and creating up to 300 jobs.

Kettering Council's deputy chief executive  Strategic Management Team - Martin Hammond said: "We want Kettering to remain ahead of  Corby Town Centre and  Wellingborough. We want the town to be the shopping centre for north Northants."

Other Shopping Centres in the area