Major step forward for Greyfriars Regeneration
04.06.25 3 min read
West Northamptonshire Council and ECF – a joint venture between L&G, Homes England, and Muse – have entered into a Development Agreement.
The partnership will now bring forward the comprehensive regeneration of Greyfriars in Northampton town centre.
ECF has already been working with the local authority to explore planning, delivery, and funding for Greyfriars. With a Development Agreement now in place, ECF will work together with West Northamptonshire Council to further develop the masterplan and bring forward the development. This will include engagement with the community to shape the approach.
The Greyfriars regeneration area totals 25 acres and includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station, which was demolished in 2015, as well as the Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and East and West Islands.
Left to right: Kevin Langley - Head of Major Projects and Regeneration at WNC, Anna Earnshaw - Chief Executive at WNC, Sir Michael Lyons - Chairman at ECF, Glyn Mutton - Development Director at Muse, Marcus Harrington - Project Manager at Muse
The vision, which has been developed by West Northamptonshire Council, seeks to bring back into active use a derelict area of the town centre with exciting new uses.
The Corn Exchange will form a new leisure destination, whilst Belgrave House provides opportunities for community and meanwhile uses. The regeneration will also include a new landmark piece of public realm including an outdoor amphitheatre.
New homes will support a vibrant new neighbourhood, alongside shops, cafes, and restaurants as part of a dynamic new place.
Residents and visitors are expected to spend an additional £21m in Northampton which will help drive the economy of the entire town centre. As many as 7,000 full time equivalent jobs could be created during construction, generating a further £1 billion in economic value.
Spokesperson from West Northamptonshire Council, said:
“This will accelerate our approach and enable the council and ECF to continue to work in partnership to further develop a comprehensive masterplan and scheme at Greyfriars. Our vision is bold and transformative. It will drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the cultural offer for our community.”
“Over the coming months we will be engaging with the community to help shape the approach, before a planning application can be submitted.”
Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman at ECF, said:
“Entering a Development Agreement will enable us to take the next important step in the delivery of this transformational opportunity. It’s a chance to enhance Northampton town centre with new homes, workspaces, retail, culture, and public spaces.”
“Together, we will move at pace to deliver a masterplan proposal which delivers against this opportunity.”