West Northamptonshire Council Strengthens Partnership for Greyfriars Regeneration
08 January 2025
Our partnership to regenerate the Greyfriars area of Northampton Town Centre has been further strengthened with a new Development Management Services Agreement (DMSA). This latest step accelerates our work and sets the expectation that a formal Development Agreement will be signed by Summer 2025.
We have been working closely with English Cities Fund to explore and shape the planning, delivery, and funding for Greyfriars. The DMSA enables us to develop more detailed strategies ahead of entering into a Development Agreement.
The Greyfriars regeneration area covers 25 acres and includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station, demolished in 2015, as well as the Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and East and West Islands.
Our vision seeks to re-imagine several derelict buildings with exciting new uses. The Corn Exchange will become an arts and culture hub, while Belgrave House will offer opportunities for an innovative workplace and business incubator. The regeneration will also feature a new outdoor Amphitheatre to anchor landmark new public spaces.
New homes will support a vibrant new neighbourhood, alongside shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating a dynamic new place.
We anticipate that new residents and visitors will spend an additional £21 million in Northampton, boosting the town centre's economy. Up to 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs could be created during construction, generating an additional £1 billion in economic value.
"It is great news that we’re able to enter this Development Management Services Agreement with ECF, marking a significant step forward in the regeneration of Greyfriars. This partnership underscores our commitment to transforming Northampton Town Centre into a vibrant, dynamic space that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors."Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council
"The vision we have for Greyfriars is ambitious and transformative, and with ECF’s expertise, we are confident in delivering a project that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the cultural offering for the community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this regeneration will have on Northampton and sharing more exciting developments with the community as we progress."
"Since announcing our partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, we’ve been working closely and collaboratively to explore potential delivery solutions for Greyfriars. We see clearly the opportunity Greyfriars presents and have made real progress. Entering a DMSA will accelerate our work and further strengthen our approach. We expect 2025 to be an exciting year and look forward to sharing more with the community in due course."Maggie Grogan, Managing Director – Midlands at ECF