A vital compulsory purchase order (CPO) has been approved by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to enable a £330m campus development by the University of Northampton.  

In November 2012, the landowners agreed a landmark deal with the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) and the University of Northampton which could see the area transformed into a state-of-the-art, waterside campus, enabled by a new one mile spine road. The campus will include 400,000 sqft academic floor space, a 320,000 sqft commercial development, 35,000 sqft of retail, 1,500 bed student accommodation and a 150 room hotel.

Professor Nick Petford, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Northampton said: "We are delighted that the Secretary of State has approved the compulsory purchase order which will allow full development of the Avon Nunn Mills site. This compulsory purchase order places the University one step closer to realising our plans to create a state-of-the-art Waterside Campus; placing the University in the heart of the community."

The CPO covers land for a new road through Avon Nunn Mills - the largest site in the Northampton Enterprise Zone.  Located next to the River Nene, the brownfield site includes a disused Avon Cosmetics factory, as well as a former power station owned by Taylor Wimpey UK and Persimmon Homes.

Peter Mawson, WNDC's Chief Executive said: "The University campus will be an unprecedented development for Northampton, breathing new life into its town centre. It is the jewel in the crown of an exciting regeneration programme, with nearby projects ranging from a new railway station to riverfront offices starting construction this year."

Plans for the campus development are well advanced, with the University of Northampton looking to submit a planning application this summer. Subject to securing planning approval and funding arrangements, with the University hoping construction will start in 2015 and complete in 2018.