News

MAYOR DECLARES WILLOW PLACE OFFICIALLY OPEN

26th October 2007

Corby’s stunning new £40 million shopping centre, Willow Place, was officially opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of Corby, Jean Addison, today (26 October).

The event was attended by representatives from developer Land Securities and its contractors, Corby Borough Council members and officers, Corby MP Phil Hope, local media and other stakeholders involved in the scheme. Councillor Addison cut a ribbon and released hundreds of balloons in the scheme’s hallmark lime green and black branding before unveiling a plaque to mark the opening. Guests then retired to the Willow Place marketing suite for a celebratory champagne breakfast.

Commenting on the opening, Corby MP Phil Hope said: “Seeing is believing.  It’s great to see such tangible evidence of Corby’s successful regeneration.  I’ve heard people walking through the town saying how good the new shopping centre looks.  Corby has become the envy of other areas and I’m proud of the transformation that has been achieved.”

Bob Lane, chief executive, North Northants Development Company said: “This is great news. Willow Place will help re-establish Corby as a prime shopping location. The physical transformation of this part of the town centre, essential to the vision proposed by Catalyst Corby, is now visible to all.

“For NNDC, the progress will be ongoing and we are already looking ahead, considering the second phase of Willow Place, and working to ensure the delivery of further regeneration projects across North Northamptonshire.”

Bob’s views were echoed by Cllr Pat Fawcett, Leader of Corby Borough Council, who said: "This really is a fantastic day for Corby. We know residents have been waiting for this for a long time, so to see Willow Place officially open is wonderful - I know I'm looking forward to buying my Christmas presents in Corby this year. What's even better is that this is just the first phase in the regeneration of the town centre, there is so much more to come."