Date confirmed for Northampton market to return to historic square

04 July 2024

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.

Northampton Town Centre is benefiting from ongoing large-scale investment in regeneration through £24 million worth of Government support through the Town's Fund grant. This providing a catalyst for further private sector investment and confidence in the town with more than £140 million being invested into the Four Waterside and Marefair Development and £8 million worth of private funding boosting the adjacent Market Walk scheme as well as significant opportunities and investment bringing the M&S and BHS buildings back to life after their closure. This will benefit residents, attract more visitors, and promote the area as a destination for all, creating a town centre of the future, bringing a better experience and more opportunities to all that want to live, work or spend their leisure time here.

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, one of the largest in the UK, is anticipated to be fully open in October.

As part of the extensive refurbishment traders will 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 store goods. The wider Market Square will be enhanced by the new shoe-inspired water feature, dedicated events space and improved landscaping will create a welcoming destination and drive footfall, and to provide 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 refurbishment of our Market Square is a core part of the significant investment in, and regeneration of Northampton and we are delighted to be able to confirm that the market will reopen at the historic square from 20 September.

“It has been fantastic to hear from local business owners and traders who would like to be a part of the reimagined market, which 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.

“It is important to recognise the patience of traders and thank them for their support, while throughout the temporary relocation which has enabled us to carry out this vital regeneration and provide them with an enhanced space to trade from. Over the coming weeks we will be working with new and existing traders to ensure that they have everything they need ahead of reopening.

“Stepnell and their development contractors will continue to finalise the project ahead of its full anticipated completion this October.”Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure

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 [email protected]

National developer, STACK, is 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.

Meanwhile one of the town’s busiest shopping districts, Abington and Fish Street is undergoing extensive refurbishment which 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 spaces for outdoor dining and community activity. The scheme is well underway and is set to be completed this winter, enhancing the reimagined Market Square.

People across Northampton can continue to visit the market at its temporary location at Commercial Street Car Park before 20 September.

Find out more about Northampton market