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Amplifying Greyfriars

This stage of engagement has now ended. You can view our refreshed vision and have your say at ampnorthampton.com

Help us amplify the future of Greyfriars by answering our survey!

We are looking at developing a masterplan for the Greyfriars area in Northampton town centre. Greyfriars includes Belgrave House, Mayorhold Multi-Storey Car Park, Victoria Street Car Park, Corn Exchange and the site of the former bus station. The map shows this area in orange.


We believe Greyfriars offers a unique chance to support the town centre as a whole. We think it could infuse Northampton with new life and energy.

This isn't a planning application and the ideas we present here show our emerging vision. We need your views and ideas to us shape the future of Greyfriars.

This website will guide you through some of these ideas, with a survey at the end to share your own thoughts.

This is no ordinary site. We want to be inventive in our ideas and to collaborate with the local community. This is why we call on you to help us shape the future of Greyfriars.

info Look out for orange highlighted hints like this! They will indicate interactive features on the map.

Deetu are conducting this engagement exercise in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council.

We have asked Studio Egret West (SEW) to start exploring ideas to transform the place. SEW are known for their approach to co-creation. Through an integrated approach to architecture, urban design and landscape, they seek to grow places organically, from day one, building upon what already makes a place special.

The design team want to hear how you think we could make Greyfriars an exciting, meaningful and attractive place for all.

The survey will close on Sunday 7th January 2024.


Map Key

Translucent orange square with solid orange outline
Area of engagement

An industrial past, an ingenious future


Northampton has an industrial past. Shoemaking, leathercraft and brewing all having a strong history here.

This image: a photograph from the early 20th century inside John Dawson & Sons Factory, Northampton.
							The map: the map shows an OS map of the area from 1901, with interactive map markers show historic photos 
							and key points from local history.

Greyfriars was historically integral to the prosperity of the town. The area has close links to Market Square, which has been a vital centre of commerce for almost 800 years.

info The map shows how this area of Northampton looked in 1901. Click on the map markers to read about some key moments in Greyfriars' history and view historic photographs of some local shoe factories.

The former bus station is a key part of Greyfriars from more recent history. Opening in 1976, it operated several key local and regional bus services. The bus station was demolished in 2015, and the land has sat empty since. We want you to input into how we can revamp this space.

info Do you have any memories of the area you would like to share? We would love to hear them via our survey! We would then like to share these memories back to the local community.

The map shows how the area looked in 1901. See how many north-south connections used to run through the site, such as Newland, Greyfriars Street and Albert Street. We would like to reopen the site and link it back into the town centre.

We want your ideas on how we should change these spaces to bring life back into Greyfriars.


Map Key

Translucent orange square with solid orange outline
Area of engagement
1851 in black on yellow circle
Key moments in Greyfriars' history
Black camera icon on yellow background
Historic photographs of local factories

Greyfriars today


This image: a drone shot of how the site looks today.
							The map: the map shows an illustrative sketch of how Greyfriars links into the town centre,
							with interactive popups showing aerial photos of how the site looks today.

At the crossroads between the Market Square and Roadmender, between the Cultural Quarter and the Racecourse, Greyfriars sits empty. A forgotten piece of a town that is calling out for a renewed sense of pride, a meaningful open space, a neighbourhood for all.

info The map shows an artist's sketch of how Greyfriars links into the wider town centre. Click on the map markers to see aerial photographs showing how the Greyfriars site looks today.

The former bus station sits derelict at the centre of the Greyfriars site. The Corn Exchange separates it from the Market Square, two other iconic landmarks of Northampton.

We see an opportunity to revamp these buildings and spaces. To breathe new life into them, and to meaningfully reconnect these core areas.

We would like to hear your thoughts about the site and local facilities you would like to see. Your feedback will inspire us as we put our ideas down on paper to create a masterplan.


Map Key

Black camera icon on yellow background
Aerial photographs of Greyfriars today

Amp up Northampton


The time has come to amp up Northampton. Let's plug the jack back into Greyfriars and dial up the volume!

This image: an artist's doodle of how the key themes could come together at Greyfriars.
							The map: the map shows an artist's sketch of one way the site could look, with interactive markers
							showing further streetview sketches showing further ideas.

info The map shows an artist's sketch of one way the site could look. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas!

The Council and the design team have started to identify certain opportunities. We think these themes could all come together to amplify Greyfriars:

  • Creativity
  • Nature
  • Play
  • Linkages
  • Living

info Click on the map markers to see an artist's sketches of how these themes could come together to revamp Greyfriars.

Alongside these themes, sustainability and community will always be at the heart of what we are doing at Greyfriars. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to achieving Net Zero on all council operations by 2030, and those of residents and businesses by 2045.

The following sections set down some of our initial thoughts on these themes. We want to hear your ideas next!

We will listen to your ideas and feedback, using your ideas to shape a masterplan for Greyfriars. We will be presenting this new masterplan in Spring 2024.

Read on to find out more about some of our initial ideas...


Map Key

Lilac circle with the word 'creativity' in white in its centre
Artist's sketches of how the site could look

Creativity: A creative revamp, from day one


Greyfriars has a creative energy that makes it unique. We see a chance to combine this energy with Northampton's industrial culture, to bring Greyfriars to life.

This image: an artist's sketch of one way the site could look.
						The map: the map shows an artist's diagram of site, with interactive markers
						showing further streetview sketches showing some initial ideas.

info Zoom into the map to see more detail, and click on the map marker to view an artist's sketch of what the northern section of Emporium Way could look like.

We imagine existing buildings reinvented. Street-level spaces will showcase the shoemaking, leathercraft, brewing, and artistic work of Northamptonians.

The early stages of the masterplan will welcome budding makers and artists. In time, these creatives might open for retail and build a flourishing and lively neighbourhood. This would be a natural extension of the cultural quarter.

We see a unique opportunity to bring life back into the Corn Exchange. This iconic Northampton building was a once-social hub of the town. Perhaps it could be used as a music or theatre venue?

These are some of our ideas - what do you think?


Map Key

Transparent square with black outline
Area of engagement
Black camera icon on yellow background
Artist's sketch of how the site could look

Nature: transform Greyfriars from grey to green


Northampton deserves a real town park. At Greyfriars lies an opportunity to put nature at the heart of the urban fabric.

This image: an artist's sketch of one way the site could look.
						The map: the map shows an artist's diagram of site, with interactive markers
						showing further streetview sketches showing some initial ideas.

info Zoom into the map to see more detail, and click on the map marker to view an artist's sketch of what the public realm could look like.

We are inspired by the resilient and ever-changing landscape of the River Nene.

We see an opportunity to bring this beautiful waterside landscape to Greyfriars. Such as water features amid the landscape, with places to relax, gather and recreate.

Natural open spaces in the town centre are limited. They are confined to the river corridor, small suburban pocket parks, and The Racecourse to the north. The town centre lacks space for nature and spaces for people to relax and enjoy.

Our ambition is to fix this by creating a new park space. This could be a clearly defined, more tradition park space. Or perhaps a space that runs along the entire length, interspersed with buildings.

Fill out the survey at the end of this website to let us know what you like about existing open spaces in Northampton. We would also like to know what you would like to see in a new one.

These are some of our ideas - what do you think?


Map Key

Transparent square with black outline
Area of engagement
Black camera icon on yellow background
Artist's sketch of how the site could look

Play: Infusing the town with playfulness


Levels, underpasses, underbellies and mounds, reused structures and unloved structures. We will find ways to weave playfulness along the journey at Greyfriars.

This image: an artist's sketch of one way the site could look.
						The map: the map shows an artist's diagram of site, with interactive markers
						showing further streetview sketches showing some initial ideas.

info Zoom into the map to see more detail, and click on the map marker to view an artist's sketch of what a stepping landscape could look like in front of a revamped Corn Exchange and Belgrave House.

Building on the theme of nature, we could provide opportunities for “play on the way” in the meandering open spaces. How about outdoor ping pong tables, and interactive water features for hot summer days?

Thinking creatively, an outdoor amphitheatre could become the focal point of Greyfriars. A place to draw people into to a social centre. Perhaps this could be an outdoor venue to accompany a rejuvenated Corn Exchange?

These are some of our ideas - what do you think?


Map Key

Transparent square with black outline
Area of engagement
Black camera icon on yellow background
Artist's sketch of how the site could look

Linkages: Plugging Greyfriars back into Northampton


Greyfriars has sat empty since the demolition of the bus station. It has been hidden from sight and difficult to access. Let's reopen the site and weave it back into the fabric of the town centre.

This image: an artist's sketch of one way the site could look.
						The map: the map shows an artist's diagram of site, with interactive markers
						showing further streetview sketches showing some initial ideas.

info Zoom into the map to see more detail, and click on the map marker to view an artist's sketch of what a landscaped connection could look like.

We could enhance existing access points and open up new ones. We want to stitch Greyfriars back together along historical routes that no longer exist.

We believe in the importance of a landscape-led, pedestrian-first approach to neighbourhoods.

Initially, we would like to amplify and celebrate the importance of Emporium Way. We would transform this intimidating passage into an inviting route from Market Square to Greyfriars.

We would like to support pedestrians and cyclists getting around and through the area. This means thinking more carefully about where vehicles will go.
These are some of our ideas - what do you think?


Map Key

Transparent square with black outline
Area of engagement
Black camera icon on yellow background
Artist's sketch of how the site could look

Living: Bringing the place to life across the spectrum of living


Like many towns across the country, Northampton needs a greater variety of living options. This means enabling the town centre to nurture a diverse community who can all call Northampton home.

This image: an artist's sketch of one way the site could look.
						The map: the map shows an artist's diagram of site, with interactive markers
						showing further streetview sketches showing some initial ideas.

info Zoom into the map to see more detail, and click on the map marker to view an artist's sketch of what an intergenerational neighbourhood could look like.

We also know that multi-generational neighbourhoods are key to sustaining happy and healthy communities.

Greyfriars is well-placed to accommodate a range of housing types and tenures.

We could provide later living accommodation at Greyfriars. This would allow older people to live within a short distance of town centre amenities. They would also be supported in daily life.

We think the site is ideal for purpose-built student accommodation. This would bring footfall to town centre businesses. It would take the pressure off many family homes that currently house students.

Homes for rent and sale will cater for families and smaller households wanting to live close to the heart of Northampton.

These are some of our ideas - what do you think?


Map Key

Transparent square with black outline
Area of engagement
Black camera icon on yellow background
Artist's sketch of how the site could look

Sustainability: Social, environmental, economic


Sustainability and community will always be at the heart of what we are doing at Greyfriars. This means living in a way that protects our natural resources and opportunities for future generations.

This image: an illustrative image of our sustainability principles at Greyfriars.
							The map: the map shows the Greyfriars area, with interactive map markers showing more detail about 
							how we plan to achieve our sustainability ambitions at Greyfriars.

Sustainability has social and economic aspects too. The challenges we face personally and within our communities fall into these categories. Therefore, acting sustainably can help us combat the issues we face daily.

info Click on the map markers to read more about our priorities for Greyfriars.

We need to take our efforts further to protect our environment and communities. To make West Northamptonshire a great place to live. Everyone in our district will benefit from being more mindful of our actions. We all deserve affordable, renewable energy, clean air, healthier lifestyles and access to green spaces.

To achieve these goals, we have created our action plan based around the
17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). These were developed in 2015 as the framework to a thriving society.

The Council is committed to:

  • achieving Net Zero on all council operations by 2030, and those of residents and businesses by 2045,
  • taking a community leadership role for Sustainability in West Northants,
  • and ensuring all Council strategies and policies are aligned to and contribute to the delivery of the UN SDGs.

The Area Wide Emissions Baseline report informs and supports our communities, residents, and businesses to reduce their own emissions. It will help us meet our commitment to achieve Net Zero West Northamptonshire emissions by 2045.

We want to create a new healthy and safe neighbourhood at Greyfriars. One that enriches and improves the health and wellbeing of residents and users.


Map Key

Translucent orange square with solid orange outline
Area of engagement
Black information icon on yellow background
Our priorities for Greyfriars

Give us your thoughts


This stage of engagement has now ended. You can view our refreshed vision and have your say at ampnorthampton.com

Thank you for taking the time to read more about some of our ideas for revamping Greyfriars. We hope you will join us in amping up Northampton by answering our survey by Sunday 7th January 2024.

info Click on the orange button below to answer the survey, or click the icon on the map.


We would love to hear your ideas, no matter how far-fetched you may think them, for what could be done with Greyfriars, to help amp up Northampton.

Next steps...

We will listen to your ideas and feedback, using your ideas to shape a masterplan for Greyfriars.

We will present this new masterplan in Spring 2024, during a second stage of engagement. This will give you another chance to give your views on our plans. The Council will then look to submit an outline planning application for Greyfriars.


Map Key

Black speech bubble icon on yellow background
Click to answer our survey
Lilac circle with the word 'creativity' in white in its centre
Artist's sketches of how the site could look

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