Current regeneration projects

Location: Northampton, NN1 2DL 

Value: £10.4 million

Funding Source: Future High Street Fund and S106 / CIL

Forecast start on site: Winter 2022/2023

Forecast completion: Summer 2024

Currently, the existing market square is underused, outdated, and does not meet the requirements of the community.

This project will significantly enhance this place through the provision of:

• fixed modern permanent market stalls
• stepped seating
• new street furniture
• an enhanced public realm
• public art
• a bespoke water feature

The project will put the community at the heart of this space by including:

• a large event space
• a yearly activity programme

While construction is underway, market traders will be temporarily relocated to Commercial Street car park.

Location: Northampton, NN1 1DP

Value: £5.2 million

Funding Source: Get Building Fund, West Northamptonshire Council, Towns Fund and Northampton Arts Collective Limited

Start on site: Spring 2023

Forecast completion: Summer 2024

Forming part of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter, the 24 Guildhall Road project is a partnership between West Northamptonshire Council and NN Contemporary Art and will see the renovation of a previously derelict building into an innovative cultural centre for Northampton. The project is being conducted in 2 phases.

Phase 1 is now complete and includes the creation of:

• 26 artist studios
• a Contemporary Art Gallery
• a new Project Space
• an Artists Research Lounge
• a Multimedia Room
• a Civic Reading Room and Arts Library and shop

Phase 2, due to finish in Spring 2024, will include works to:

• the external fabric
• a mechanical and electrical upgrade to the whole building premises
• completing the entrance and common areas serving the building and the Northampton Museum (including compliant access arrangements)
• completing aspects of refurbishment of areas to be leased to Northampton Arts Collective Limited (NNCA)
• refurbish the 2 upper floors of the building, which have not been undertaken in Phase 1

Further information on this project can be viewed on the NN Contemporary Art website. 

Location: Northampton, NN1 2AW

Value: £5.18 million

Funding Source: Towns Fund

Forecast start on site: Winter 2023/2024

Forecast completion: Spring 2025

This project will revitalise the pedestrianised areas of Northampton’s main shopping street (Abington Street), significantly enhancing the public realm. The project will complement the Market Square transformation, by providing:

• improved pedestrian access
• new seating
• interpretation
• tree planting

The proposal also aims to encourage further community activity, such as street performances, outdoor dining and flexible event spaces.

Location: Northampton, NN1 1TD

Value: £9 million

Funding Source: Towns Fund and Waterside Enterprise Zone Business Rates Uplift

Forecast start on site: Spring 2025

Forecast completion: Summer 2032

The Four Waterside and Marefair development comprises 5-acres of prime development land situated at a key gateway site to the town centre from the railway station. This project will help positively create and transform this gateway and directly responds to the need to support the repurposing and rejuvenation of the town centre.

The Council will be working with an experienced developer partner to bring this project forward. The project will improve the overall perceptions of Northampton, through the creation of high-quality mixed-use development, including:

• grade A offices
• a new hotel
• high-quality residential homes

Location: Northampton, NN1 2AW

Value: £9.7 million

Funding Source: Towns Fund

Forecast start on site: Spring 2026

Forecast completion: Summer 2032

This project will see the regeneration of 35-45 Abington Street buildings, to create a high-quality residential development, bringing active street level retail and leisure units to Abington Street. This phased development project is being delivered by a developer partnership and will see the demolition of the former M&S and BHS buildings, to facilitate this development.

Location: Northampton, NN1 1SR

Value: £3.3 million

Funding Source: Towns Fund, S106/CIL, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Architectural Heritage Fund

Forecast start on site: March 2023

Forecast completion: Summer 2024

The Old Black Lion is celebrated as the oldest pub in Northampton. This project will regenerate the Grade II Listed former pub to bring it back to life at the heart of the community. The Old Black Lion will also become the Churches Conservation Trust’s new HQ which will be relocated from London.

The project will form part of the transformation of the gateway into the town centre and offer an exciting new facility for the local community. Money raised through the pub will also allow for the neighbouring Grade I listed St Peter’s Church to be maintained and used as a community facility.

Location: Northampton, NN1 1TP

Value: £2.1 million

Funding Source: Towns Fund and S106/CIL

Forecast start on site: Spring 2024

Forecast completion: Spring 2025

The new Heritage Park will provide much needed amenity space in this area of the town. It is seen as a green space which will include:

• a play area
• new pathways
• flowerbeds
• seating areas

The park will celebrate the rich heritage of the area and help people to learn more about its historical significance. The Heritage Park will:

• create a heritage green space
• ensure safe footpath routes
• include a new play area
• include new flowerbeds and seating areas
• include archaeological remains – informed by the Archaeological works and Watching Brief
• protect heritage assets and help to enhance the settings of Northampton Castle and Mound, Grade 1 listed St Peter’s Church and Grade 2 listed Castle Hill Reformed Church

Location: Northampton Town

Value: £500,000

Funding Source: Towns Fund

Forecast start on site: Spring 2023

Forecast completion: Spring 2025

The Northampton Social Enterprise Investment Fund has been created to help drive and support the growth of Social Enterprises in Northampton. Specifically, it will help support:

• the growth of existing social enterprises
• new social business ventures
• the creation of new jobs
• opportunities for communities to engage in social enterprise activities
• the enhancement of existing networks to offer work to people often excluded from the labour market
• and enhance Northampton as a Social Enterprise destination

It will promote and demonstrate the contribution the social enterprise sector makes to the local economy, civil society, and the lives of residents in Northampton.

Location: Towcester, NN12 6BT

Value: £850,000

Funding Source: West Northamptonshire Council

Start on site: Autumn 2022

Forecast completion: Spring 2023

The project will see the demolition of the former co-op store on Towcester’s high street to increase parking capacity by creating a much improved and larger permanent car park. The project will allow for increased activity within the town centre by greater available parking, a safer environment and ease of access.

Location: Towcester, NN12 6XT

Value: £398,000

Funding Source: European Agricultural Fund, West Northamptonshire Council

Forecast start on site: Spring 2022

Forecast completion: Summer 2023

Watermeadows has a long and rich history associated with the development of Towcester. It was originally part of the Easton Neston estate, registered as Grade II in English Heritage’s Parks and Gardens. This exciting project will enhance the much-loved beauty spot to make it more accessible for the community to enjoy its natural beauty and wildlife in the area. The work will focus on improving:

• the visitor experience
• accessibility and recreation space with wider pathways
• seating
• an innovative new play and picnic area and a viewing deck to enjoy the picturesque parkland

Market Walk, is set to undergo a vast transformation as renowned food hall and leisure developer, STACK, in collaboration with West Northamptonshire Council, will revitalise the prominent space, breathing new life into the heart of the town with the introduction of a new leisure and entertainment destination. The project will ignite the town’s vibrancy and vitality, supporting both the day time and night time economy. With an investment of £4.175 million from the Towns Fund and an additional £8 million from STACK, this project will create a vibrant social hub for the community. The redevelopment will include a diverse selection of independent street food traders, bars, interactive games, communal seating, and a main stage for live music performances, catering to all ages and interests.