The Corn Exchange has stood empty in the heart of Northampton Town Centre for more than a decade. Many people enjoyed spending time at the former Cinema then Chicago Rock Cafe before closing its doors.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has bold ambitions to transform the town centre and has taken an exciting step forward in delivering its ambition for the future of Greyfriars as it seeks to purchase the Corn Exchange.

WNC has worked with local residents and businesses through a two-stage public consultation to deliver the ambitious vision for Greyfriars. The 14-acre area is set to amplify a forgotten piece of the town into a new neighbourhood which will encompass multi-generational living, dedicated green space and entertaining space, while improving connectivity to the town centre with improved transport routes.

The vacant Corn Exchange sits at the heart of the Greyfriars masterplan, providing a direct link between the new activities at Greyfriars and the core town centre, currently the Greyfriars area is severed off from the town centre and effectively an island.

If the acquisition is successful and plans are approved, the Corn Exchange will be a cultural anchor for the Greyfriars project, creating a new performance and creativity hub and leisure destination, attracting significant footfall and investment into the town.

We are passionate about transforming Northampton Town Centre into a vibrant hub where everyone across West Northamptonshire and beyond can shop, dine, and enjoy all that the area has to offer. The acquisition of the Corn Exchange is a pivotal step in the ambitious regeneration of the 14-acre Greyfriars site.

“This long-neglected property, vacant for over a decade, occupies a key spot overlooking the soon-to-be revitalised Market Square and backing directly onto the Greyfriars site. We’re excited to move forward with this purchase, bringing it into our bold vision for Greyfriars, and breathing new life into the building as a dynamic community venue that will once again serve and inspire the local community.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC

The proposals to purchase the Corn Exchange will be considered by WNC’s cabinet on 17 September, and if approved for recommendation will be presented by WNC’s full Council on 26 September.

Preparations are underway as Northampton Market is set to return to the historic market square from 20 September, following the area undergoing extensive regeneration to provide a renewed space for residents, businesses, and traders.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working closely with new and existing traders to finalise their bespoke fixed stalls and arrangements for their flexible pop-up stalls ahead of the reopening weekend.

The town is home to one of the longest running outdoor markets in Europe and the reopening of the market from 20 September is a significant milestone in the transformation of the town, and forms part of the phased opening of the regeneration scheme. The wider rejuvenated market square will open to the public on 19 October with family-friendly festivities taking place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October.

As part of the extensive refurbishment traders have access to bespoke, fixed stalls as well as pop up stalls. These modern fixed stalls benefit from electric, water and lighting, can be customised to meet the needs of traders and provide a safe and secure place to sell their goods.

One of the new traders to move into the fixed permanent stalls is Steve Reid, who owns Northampton Cheese Company.

We are looking forward to the opening of the market and using one of the new pods. Also being able to bring our cheese, charcuterie and chutneys that are handmade just down the street. Along with many local artisan products too.

Steve Reid, Owner of Northampton Cheese Company

A whole host of products and services will be on offer at Northampton’s historic market square from 20 September including fresh flowers and plants, fruit and vegetables, a butcher, digital print services, ethically sourced Ghanaian crafts and a delicatessen offering locally made produce. This will be complemented with services such as a key cutting and watch repairs, bicycle repair and small electricals sales and repairs. If you are looking to treat yourself there will be a nail salon or you can sample some of the delicious takeaway foods.

The wider Market Square will be enhanced by the new shoe-inspired water feature, a dedicated events space and improved landscaping which will create a welcoming destination and drive footfall and while providing a catalyst for private sector investment into Northampton town centre. These improved facilities are also attracting a number of new businesses and by the time we open we will have an enhanced range of quality products as well as welcoming back the existing, valued market traders.

The final preparations are underway to welcome local business owners and traders back to our historic market square. Once open, the renewed space will offer a wide range of high-quality local produce and services. We are delighted to be able to welcome a diverse mix of stalls and traders when we reopen in just a few weeks’ time. Visitors will find an exciting range of goods and services on offer – come and prepare to be surprised. We are always keen to hear from local entrepreneurs who are looking to take the first step and showcase their business at Northampton’s market, so please do reach out if you’ve got an idea you’d like to discuss.

“Following the opening of the market, we look forward to inviting the community to come and join us for the official opening weekend on 19 and 20 October. With a wide range of zones for everyone to enjoy, including live music, local food and heritage to celebrate the history of our town, there will be something on offer for all of the family. I’d encourage residents to save the date and keep their eye out for more information coming soon.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC

If you have a great business or business idea and want to become part of Northampton’s rich heritage – get in touch to register your interest by contacting marketsoffice@westnorthants.gov.uk.

National developer, STACK, is also set to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre which sits on the Market Square into a vibrant new leisure, entertainment, and social community hub. This will be a vital part of expanding the night-time economy and amplifying the many reasons to visit the town. Find out more about Northampton market.

The works on Fish Street, as part of a wider regeneration project to Northampton town centre, are well underway with new lettering cementing the rejuvenation of this part of the town.

West Northamptonshire Council is working with Kier Transportation to carry out vital works to enhance the appearance of Abington Street and Fish Street. Since March, nearly 900m2 of paving has been installed on Fish Street, along with an improved drainage system and fish themed paving designs.

This project will lift the quality of the public spaces through high quality materials, increasing seating and planting, introducing new art and play opportunities along the street, as well as space for outdoor dining and community activity.

Businesses in the area have been kept up to date with the project’s phases, and the project’s dedicated single point of contact has been working closely to ensure they have been able to operate with minimal disruption.

The redevelopment will complement the wider Market Square transformation, and provide enhanced connectivity with the rest of the town.

Work is well underway to deliver this significant project which will transform one of the busiest shopping streets in Northampton. Visitors to the town will be able to see the progress which is taking shape at Fish Street as the lettering has now cemented this rejuvenated street and the new paving which elevates this area. Once complete and thoroughly cleaned, the revitalised area and enhanced features will offer a fantastic space for people to use and enjoy. We look forward to the completed project opening this winter.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC

We are pleased with the progress made so far in this transformative project for Northampton’s shopping district. Working closely with West Northamptonshire Council, we’ve already made significant steps toward revitalising the town centre.

“Project teams have been working closely with local businesses to ensure minimal disruption. This marks an exciting time for Northampton, and we look forward to seeing how the works leave a lasting, positive impact on the community.

Edith Shah, general manager at Kier Transportation

Work continues with the completion of Abington Street repaving, the upgrade and installation of street lighting, installation of street furniture, planting of new trees, and minor finishing touches. The project is set to be complete in Winter 2024/2025 and will be thoroughly cleaned once all construction works are completed.

Residents and communities across West Northamptonshire are invited to come together to celebrate the official grand opening of the revitalised Northampton Market Square this October, as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Northampton Forward celebrate the transformation of this beloved community space ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations to come.

Taking place across Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October 2024, WNC will host a community celebration filled with a whole host of fun activities for all the family, including creative musical and cultural performances, historic and heritage exhibitions, and an array of amazing food and drink from a variety of local businesses and vendors. £30,000 of Government funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has been allocated towards activities for the family weekend.

Market traders and local businesses will also be offering a wide range of fresh local produce, gifts, services, food, and drink during the weekend.

Drawing on Northampton’s rich history, the regenerated space complements the wider transformation of the town centre, featuring high-quality market stalls, improved seating and lighting, enhanced paving and an interactive water feature, creating a sustainable, accessible and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy. The scheme is being funded through the Government led Towns Fund, which is overseen by Northampton Forward; a public and private partnership made up of key organisations across the area.

Northampton is home to one of Europe’s longest running outdoor market, and we are excited to invite residents and communities from across West Northamptonshire to join us for the grand opening of the reimagined Northampton Market Square to celebrate the rich history of the site and see first-hand the revitalised space.

“We have planned a weekend full of exciting activities, performances, and local flavours, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Come and be part of this unmissable celebration and witness the beginning of a new chapter for our vibrant community.

Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure,

WNC is supported by key local organisations to deliver this event, including Northampton Forward, Northampton Business Improvement District (BID) and Northampton Town Council.

We are really excited to commemorate this significant milestone in the transformation of our town as Market Square officially reopens to the public. The event will provide an opportunity to see the regeneration first-hand, support local businesses and traders and join in the family-fun. I’d encourage everyone to save the date and join us for this exciting weekend.

Martin Mason, Chair of Northampton Forward Board and Managing Director of Trickers Shoes

Once open, the rejuvenated space will invigorate the local economy, provide new opportunities for local businesses and attract visitors to the area while providing a vibrant and accessible venue for regular markets, community events, and social gatherings, enriched with a variety of cultural and social activities.

Large pieces of ironstone which may once have formed part of Northampton Castle have been uncovered by archaeologists working at the town’s Chalk Lane Car Park. They were revealed by experts from MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) during an initial investigation of the car park, ahead of its transformation to deliver a new heritage park for Northampton.

Archaeologists from MOLA have carried out an initial investigation at Chalk Lane Car Park to discover more about the site’s history, carefully removing and preserving any artefacts discovered on site.

Situated at the entrance of the town from Northampton’s railway station, the Marefair Heritage Park regeneration scheme will unlock this space, providing the local community with much needed green space. This area of the town is steeped in heritage and history and is where the Northampton Castle once stood. The park will see new pathways, lighting, a playground, green space, heritage timeline poles, community garden, together with new trees, shrubs and wildflowers to enhance biodiversity.

Over a one-week period from 17 July, MOLA carried out a dig in the area where the heritage timeline poles are to be located. This revealed large pieces of Ironstone, likely quarried locally in Northamptonshire, which may relate to the demolition of Northampton castle in 1879. The remains of the castle were previously excavated in the 1960s, and Ironstone was identified in its construction.

The Ironstone uncovered by the team during the recent excavations was mixed with brick and modern pottery and located next to the trenches dug by archaeologists in the 1960s. This suggests it is the remains of rubble removed by archaeologists during the last excavations, more than 50 years ago.

The archaeologists also uncovered remains of a post-medieval wall belonging to a house built in the area while the castle ruins still stood. This, along with other excavations in the town centre, is helping us understand how the town developed around the castle in the centuries following the Civil War when its defences were removed.

The Council has long held ambitions to redevelop this area of the town to create a Heritage Park, an attractive, vibrant and modern destination at an important gateway position in the town centre.
As an exciting step of this regeneration scheme, it is great to be working with experts at MOLA to uncover the fascinating history in this part of our town. We look forward to continuing work with them to keep a watching brief on the project over the coming months as we bring forward this scheme.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council

As someone born and raised in Northampton, having the chance to excavate around such an important part of the town’s history is incredible. Seeing how the area developed over the centuries gives a greater understanding of the town’s past and the people who lived here.

Simon Markus, a Project Manager at MOLA

 

Click here to find out more about the transformation of Northampton Town Centre and regeneration schemes across the town.

Motorists are reminded Northampton’s Chalk Lane Car Park will be closed until 12 August to allow the Council and its contractors to reinstate the car park to a safe standard before reopening.

Vulcan Works, providers of office space and business support for companies and individuals working in creative and digital industries, marked its first anniversary on Wednesday, May 15 with a VIP event.

Officially launched in April 2023, Vulcan Works was created through transforming a Grade II listed former ironworks factory in Northampton town centre into a hub that provides office space, hot desking, meeting room hire and creative workspaces and workshops.

The £14 million project was funded by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), which facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3 million, together with £3.06 million from the European Regional Development Fund. Oxford Innovation Space was appointed to manage the space.

Over the last year, Vulcan Works has firmly established itself as a vital part of the local business community and economy, winning awards for innovation and its positive impact across Northamptonshire and providing a home to more than 30 different businesses. It has also nurtured 11 entrepreneurs through its fully-funded Vulcan Creatives programme. Other highlights include linking up with some trusted national partners, such as Barclays and Natwest, and local business support organisations like SEMLEP, The Marketing Meet Up, Northampton BID, NNBN and Digital Northants to offer practical business support, networking and workshops.

Staff, customers, stakeholders and suppliers who have all helped to make the centre a success were treated to drinks, cupcakes and live music from local artist Jake Brown at the anniversary event. There was also an exhibition showcasing some of the businesses based at Vulcan Works or taking part in the Vulcan Creatives incubation programme.

“There have been 75 jobs created through Vulcan Works and 33 businesses taking on space. Our coworking membership also sees a further 27 people regularly working out of the building. In addition to that, the first cohort of Vulcan Creatives have really brought something to the centre. At Oxford Innovation Space, the curation and animation of spaces such as the Vulcan Works Creative Hub is at the core of what we do and that is on evidence a year on from opening the Hub.”

Tim Smith, Deputy Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space

“On behalf of West Northamptonshire Council, I would like to say how thrilled we are to have a place like Vulcan Works in the heart of Northampton, in the Cultural Quarter. What we have seen over the last year is businesses large and small choosing Vulcan Works as a place to work, which means they are also choosing Northampton as a place to do business.

We have also seen Vulcan Works win two awards, which really demonstrates how we have all succeeded in our vision and what we wanted to achieve with the centre. Now, rather than looking back, we want to look forward. We want to see this place attract more businesses who are choosing West Northamptonshire as a place to do business.”

Cllr Daniel Lister, West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure

“This event is a celebration of Vulcan Works and what it means to the wider community. It is our chance to thank everyone who has done so much for the centre and, through the exhibition, showcase the wonderful things being created or provided at Vulcan Works on a daily basis. It is also an opportunity to recognise our key stakeholders and those who work in partnership with us to make our events, workshops and masterclasses possible. I also, personally, would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Vulcan Works for making everything we have achieved over the last 12 months possible. Together we have managed to create something special and I look forward to seeing what the next year and beyond will bring.”

Centre Manager Garrick Hurter

Email info@vulcanworks.co.uk to find out more about Vulcan Works or request a tour.