Communities are invited to help shape the future of Northampton town centre
14 July 2025
Local residents, businesses and community groups are invited to help shape the future of Northampton town centre as West Northamptonshire Council launches a public engagement activity on the draft Northampton Town Centre Masterplan.
The masterplan will set out a long-term vision to guide how the town centre should evolve over the next 15 years. This includes how we'll improve streets, public spaces and provide new homes and neighbourhoods, whilst supporting local businesses and culture.
Northampton’s town centre is already undergoing significant transformation, with major regeneration projects such as the newly revitalised Market Square, plans to regenerate Greyfriars, the redevelopment of former M&S and BHS stores, and the new Castle Park well underway. The draft masterplan will build on this momentum, offering a joined-up plan to ensure future investment is focused on the right places and reflects the needs and aspirations of local people.
The plan is structured around six ambitions:
- A walkable, better-connected town
- A revitalised riverside for leisure and nature
- Heritage buildings brought back to life
- New homes and neighbourhoods that support town centre living
- More and better spaces for local businesses
- A cultural and social hub that gives people more reasons to visit
Town centre living is a key theme, supporting local shops, improving pedestrian and cycling routes and increasing the vibrancy of the town centre. The plan includes ideas for a range of housing types including homes for families, older people and young professionals on currently underused or vacant sites. Any future housing would be developed with design quality, green space and local infrastructure in mind.
A new website has been launched at northamptonforward.com, where people can:
- View the emerging masterplan proposals
- Explore key areas and ideas
- Complete a short survey to give their feedback
The engagement will be live until Sunday 10 August, and all feedback will help shape the final version of the masterplan, due to be published later this year.
“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to help shape the future of your town centre, and we want to hear from you. Whether you live, work, study or simply spend time in Northampton, this is your opportunity to have a real say. Share your ideas. Tell us what matters. This masterplan is more than just buildings and plans, it’s about creating a town centre that reflects the pride, priorities and everyday lives of the people who call Northampton home. So don’t miss out. This is your town, your future, and your chance to be part of something truly transformative."Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure
All comments and suggestions received during this first stage of engagement will be reviewed by the project team and used to develop the masterplan. The final plan will reflect the priorities, opportunities and challenges identified by local people, businesses and community groups. A revised version will be shared in the autumn, followed by a clear action plan to guide delivery over the coming years, bringing positive change to the town centre in a way that’s shaped by the community.