Designs revealed for huge regeneration of former Greyfriars bus station in Northampton

Initial designs for a massive regeneration project in Northampton town centre have been revealed.

The former Greyfriars bus station, which was demolished in 2015, is the largest brownfield opportunity within the centre and is on the cusp of its revival.

West Northamptonshire Council has expanded on its vision for the area as an opportunity to reconnect people living north of the site to other regeneration projects in the town, such as Market Square and Market Walk, and re-link Northampton’s ‘cultural mile’.

According to the council, the vacant site has contributed to the decline of the town centre and “severed off” areas from other amenities, resulting in less footfall. It said that work is “well underway” with mapping out the immense project.

The council hopes to create a “new urban neighbourhood” alongside a new linear park running along the rear edge of the Grosvenor shopping centre. It also proposed commercial office space alongside the existing public buildings on Victoria Street and redeveloping the Mayorhold multi-storey car park into a leisure use.

Other areas that have been flagged for rejuvenation are Belgrave House, Emporium Way, Victoria St car park, and the Corn Exchange. A linear park will also run from east to west connecting the site, which will “weave playfulness along the journey” through outdoor ping pong tables and an amphitheatre.

Studio Egret West (SEW) will take the lead on the project, creating a masterplan for the 10-year transformation. They have led on the design of other major regeneration projects around the UK, including Mayfield in Manchester and Earls Court in London.

David West, founding director of SEW said that there was an opportunity at Greyfriars to deliver an “atypical vision” for the centre. He highlighted the importance of engaging with local partners when transforming the site.

The masterplan also proposes “multi-generational living” consisting of a mixture of build-to-rent, build-to-buy, student accommodation and later living options.

Further masterplan development will take place over the next few months to incorporate feedback from previous consultations. Stage two engagement on the vision for Greyfriars will take place in spring to showcase plans.