Ambitious and exciting next steps have been taken with a team of nationally renowned placemaking, and regeneration specialists has been appointed by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to create a bold new masterplan for Northampton town centre, setting the vision for its transformation over the next 15 years.
Looking at over 400 hectares of the town centre the multidisciplinary team will develop a strategy that creates a better connected, inclusive, greener and economically diverse area in which to live and visit.
The appointed team includes:
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios – Lead Masterplanners.
Planit – Landscape and Public Realm Designers.
Civic Engineers – Transport and Movement Specialists
Cushman & Wakefield – Commercial Advisors
Deetu – Engagement and Consultation Experts
The masterplan will build on the momentum of Northampton’s regeneration being delivered by WNC, unlocking new opportunities for investment and shaping a town centre that is:
- Embedded in the community and heritage of the area – promoting the assets that makes the town a success with its proud sporting heritage and cultural offers.
- Connected and accessible – breaking down barriers preventing sustainable transport and creating pedestrian friendly spaces
- Economically vibrant – creating a greater range of employment spaces that enhance entrepreneurship and create greater diversity within the business community
- Culturally dynamic – enhancing leisure, events, and public spaces for residents and visitors
- Inclusive residentialneighbourhoods – new locations for inclusive neighbourhoods with a mix of residential spaces
Since the last Northampton Town Centre Masterplan in 2019, West Northamptonshire Council has secured over £500 million in private and public sector investment, supporting landmark projects such as Four Waterside, Market Square, 24 Guildhall Road, and Greyfriars, The new masterplan will build on this success, identifying future opportunities and ensuring a cohesive, long-term regeneration strategy.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC said: “Northampton is undergoing a period of transformational change, and this masterplan will set the roadmap for the next generation of regeneration projects. By integrating new investment with our existing regeneration programme, we are ensuring Northampton is a vibrant, inclusive and resilient town centre for decades to come.”
Alex Whitbread, Partner Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios added: “Northampton is a town with a rich heritage, a vibrant community, and a unique identity. This transformative masterplan will authentically capture its essence, fostering civic pride and creating a distinctive, progressive future. We are delighted to be appointed as lead architects for the Northampton Town Centre Framework and look forward to unlocking its full potential, attracting visitors, businesses, and new residents to be part of its exciting evolution.”
Public engagement is a cornerstone of this initiative, ensuring that residents and businesses have a voice in shaping the future of the town centre. WNC will be carrying out public engagement in early summer 2025, inviting residents and stakeholders to contribute their insights and aspirations for the town centre’s future.
Click here to find out more about regeneration taking place across Northampton
