West Northamptonshire Council spearheads Northampton’s Greyfriars regeneration with English Cities Fund.
- A 14-acre redevelopment is set to revitalise Northampton, led by the ECF consortium.
- Key sites like the former Greyfriars bus station will be transformed, enhancing public spaces.
- Plans include arts venues, business hubs, and increased housing and retail facilities.
- The initiative aims to bring significant socio-economic benefits, affirming a £400m backing.
The Greyfriars area in Northampton is set for significant transformation as West Northamptonshire Council collaborates with English Cities Fund (ECF) to lead the regeneration efforts. The ECF, a partnership comprising Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse, embarks on this project to redefine one of the town’s largest brownfield sites. Covering 14 acres, this initiative aims to revitalise key locations, such as the former Greyfriars bus station, which was demolished in 2015, alongside Mayorhold and Victoria Street car parks and other notable sites.
In alignment with the vision articulated by West Northamptonshire Council and Studio Egret West, supported by Homes England, several derelict buildings are earmarked for transformation. Proposed developments include new cultural and business facilities, such as an arts centre and a business incubator, alongside an outdoor amphitheatre intended to anchor vibrant public spaces. The inclusion of housing and retail development forms a core part of this ambitious regeneration plan.
Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of ECF, enthusiastically acknowledged the council’s forward-thinking vision for Greyfriars, emphasising its potential to yield substantial social and economic value. He remarked, ‘West Northamptonshire Council has developed an ambitious and exciting vision for Greyfriars, as part of a bold approach to the wider regeneration of Northampton Town Centre.’ With financial backing scaled to £400 million, ECF is poised to deliver on this transformative vision in collaboration with local authority partners.
Councillor Dan Lister, the cabinet member responsible for local economy, culture, and leisure in West Northamptonshire, highlighted the ongoing transformational change sweeping across the town centre. He pointed to current redevelopment projects, such as the rejuvenation of Market Square, Abington, and Fish Street, which reflect the council’s commitment to enhancing public spaces. The Greyfriars project represents a crucial step towards realising a vibrant new neighbourhood in this part of town, further demonstrating their ambition and dedication.
The Greyfriars project symbolises a robust commitment to transforming Northampton through strategic partnerships and ambitious urban planning.
