Lucy Rigby MP visits Greyfriars regeneration

West Northamptonshire’s flagship regeneration, Greyfriars, has welcomed Lucy Rigby MP, Member of Parliament for Northampton North.

During the visit, Lucy met with the ECF team to discuss progress and the next phase of community engagement. A second Community Conversation will launch in the coming weeks.

ECF is working in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council to unlock up to 1,200 new homes, alongside student accommodation, workspaces, and mix of new businesses, leisure, and community space.

The Greyfriars vision also includes new landscaped public spaces connecting the local area back into the centre alongside a revitalised cultural offer, centred on the refurbishment of the Grade II listed The Parade – which includes the Corn Exchange.

Greyfriars represents a significant chance to reshape Northampton town centre as part of a wider economic strategy. By delivering new homes, attractive commercial and leisure, and vibrant public spaces, we can boost footfall, and support local businesses as part of an all day and evening destination.

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the practical challenges of delivering town centre regeneration, including viability, infrastructure requirements, and the evolving market context for new homes and mixed-use regeneration.

Glyn Mutton, Development Director at ECF, said:

“Our focus is on delivering a vision which creates new homes, brings activity back into the town centre, and reflects the priorities of the local community.”

“Working in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, we are making strong progress towards making this a reality and look forward to engaging with residents and showcasing our progress in the coming weeks.”

Lucy Rigby, Member of Parliament for Northampton North and Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:

“I encourage residents and local businesses to engage with ECF, as part of the next stage of consultation, to help shape the future of Greyfriars.””