Landmark Greyfriars regeneration continues to make progress

11 March 2025

The long-awaited regeneration of Greyfriars in Northampton town centre continues to make progress as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ECF – the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – collaborate to refine an approach.  

A Council decision, made on 4 March, means senior WNC officers will be able to work together with ECF to negotiate a Development Agreement, once a final plan and strategy has been agreed.  

A future Development Agreement could then unlock the potential of one of the region’s most significant brownfield opportunities and over 25 acres of Northampton town centre, setting the stage for a generational transformation. 

The visionary Greyfriars project will reimagine the heart of Northampton into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. The development will deliver over 1,000 new homes alongside commercial, community, cultural, and leisure spaces alongside enhanced public spaces, new parks and green areas, which will create thousands of jobs and generate an estimated £500 million in economic benefits for the local area.  

“By collaborating with ECF to transform Greyfriars, we will inject new energy into our town centre, providing much-needed new business spaces, vibrant community facilities and new homes. This project embodies our commitment to building a more sustainable, connected, and prosperous West Northamptonshire— a lasting legacy for generations to come.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC

Spanning key sites including the former Greyfriars Bus Station, the project will integrate high quality design with sustainable infrastructure and enhanced pedestrian and public transport links. ECF, brings an exceptional track record from high-profile projects such as Salford Central and Plymouth’s Docks. Their expertise will be instrumental in turning Greyfriars into a model of modern urban regeneration. 

“ECF has worked closely with West Northamptonshire Council to investigate the delivery of Greyfriars. There is an impressive vision and strategy for the regeneration of the town centre. It’s clear our developing partnership can have a real and lasting impact.

“As we continue to refine our approach, we’re pleased the Council is making pro-active plans to prepare for us entering into the Development Agreement to enable to move the scheme forward.

“We will collaborate with WNC at pace to finalise a strategy which will re-energise Greyfriars, attract investment, and deliver the homes, retail, workplaces, and public space the town centre deserves.” Maggie Grogan, Managing Director – Midlands at ECF

Following cabinet approval on Tuesday, 4 March, detailed negotiations and design work will continue, with enabling works set to start in 2027 and construction due to commence in 2028. As WNC leads the charge in reshaping Northampton’s urban landscape, Greyfriars is set to become a transformative symbol of community spirit and visionary partnership. 

For further details, please visit www.wearenorthampton.com.