New family hub taking shape at Northampton’s Central Library
12 May 2026
The Central Library in Northampton is set to become home to a new Best Start Family Hub. The plans signal the next phase of West Northamptonshire Council’s ambition to give children the best possible start in life by bringing key services together under one roof. Best Start Family Hubs are available to families with babies, children and young people aged 0-19 or 25 years old if there is a Special Education Need or Disability (SEND).
The Northampton Family Hub forms a key part of the council’s Best Start in Life local plan, which brings together early years, health and family support to help give every child the best possible start, from pregnancy through the early years, and to help more children be ready to start school.
The new hub will be located on the ground floor of Central Library, alongside the Children’s Library. Work to refurbish and convert part of the space is currently expected to begin in autumn subject to a successful procurement process to appoint a contractor.
The refurbishment will create a welcoming, accessible space designed around the needs of families, bringing key services together in one easy-to-find town centre location. Drawing on the design of the Towcester Family Hub, plans include health clinic rooms, a wet play area and quiet and sensory spaces. The Children’s Library, co-located within the space, is also being refurbished as part of the works.
While plans are being developed, the Family Hub team is already engaging with families, raising awareness of the support available and encouraging parents and carers to register with Family Hubs. Families are also being supported to understand how they can self-refer for one-to-one help if they need it. Over the coming weeks, the team will increase their presence within Central Library and offer a number of one-off sessions, complementing the activities already taking place in the Children’s Library.
The Best Start Family Hub at Central Library will make it easier for families to access the support they need, in a central and welcoming location.Cllr Michael Stratton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education
While refurbishment plans are being finalised, it is really positive that our Family Hub team is already out in the community, speaking to families and helping them understand the support available. Our Best Start in Life plan is about early support, prevention and joined-up services, and this hub will play an important role in delivering that for families in Northampton.
Families can find out more about services and how to register on the Family Hubs website.