Construction underway to deliver new heritage park in Northampton

05 March 2025

Jeakins Weir has commenced work on the highly anticipated Marefair Heritage Park. The team is currently on-site, setting up the construction compound and carrying out ground preparation works. 

Since entering the site in February, the team has been preparing the space ready to bring forward the new heritage park. This ambitious project will create a vibrant new green space, fostering connections between Northampton town centre and the train station, while driving footfall to the heart of the town. The Marefair Heritage Park complements the wider transformation of Northampton Town Centre, enhancing the entrance into the town from both rail and car, with work scheduled for completion by late summer 2025. 

All utility services to the former Chalk Lane car park have been disconnected, the wooden knights and crest have been temporarily relocated, and Heras fencing has been erected to secure the area. 

Looking ahead, the team will install edge protection to the retaining wall on St Andrews Road, implement root protection for the existing trees and commence excavation work for the heritage timeline poles under the archaeology watching brief. 

The new park will feature a range of amenities, including green spaces for recreation and relaxation, a castle-themed play area, a community garden, and a heritage timeline. It will also include a walking trail and improved lighting, ensuring better connections to surrounding historic landmarks and enhancing the area’s overall appeal. The walking trail follows part of the footprint of the original Northampton Castle, whilst the play area will feature cherry trees that echo the orchard formerly within the castle walls. 

“The Marefair Heritage Park is a key project in our broader vision for the transformation of Northampton. This exciting new green space will celebrate our town’s rich history while enhancing its future. By improving connections between the train station and the town centre, we’re creating a more welcoming gateway that will drive footfall and economic growth. Alongside developments like Four Waterside, Marefair Heritage Park will play an important role in making Northampton a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.”Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC

“We are very pleased to have started on site on this transformative community project that will not only enhance Northampton’s green spaces but also strengthen its historic identity. Marefair Heritage Park is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration on the SCAPE Regional Construction framework with WNC, and we look forward to delivering a space that will benefit the local community for generations to come.” Alistair Weir, Managing Director at Jeakins Weir

“The rich heritage of the local area is celebrated in our designs for this new park, which will provide much-needed green space for the community as part of wider regeneration plans for the town. There will be plenty of ways to connect with nature, including a community garden, a children’s play area, as well as a walking trail featuring a heritage timeline.”Martin Jones, landscape architect director at BDP

The project is being delivered in collaboration with local Northamptonshire-based contractor Jeakins Weir and landscape architects from multidisciplinary design practice, BDP. 

Funded through £1.6 million from the Towns Fund, further funding from Section 106 contributions and West Northamptonshire Council, this project reflects the council’s commitment to revitalising the local area for the benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors alike.