Partnership provides major investment for Northampton community

04 February 2025

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), in partnership with local organisations, is making a significant investment in Kings Heath, Northampton, to support community-led improvements and enhance local facilities. Through the Kings Heath Partnership Group, which includes local schools, charities, sports organisations, and Northamptonshire Police, a range of initiatives are underway to create lasting benefits for residents.

Improvements include the delivery of a major project to revitalise the Sure Start Centre, with funding committed to bring it back into use as a vital community space. The Council is also reviewing the lease for the local boxing club, ensuring its future aligns with community needs following feedback highlighting the importance of the centre to local residents. Efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour are also continuing, with plans to introduce diversionary projects including a bike skills initiative supported by Sports for Fitness.

Since 2022, the Council’s Well Northants programme has invested more than £29k in grants to groups that support residents in Kings Heath and a new round of funding is currently open to support community projects and groups in the area. As part of this, funding has been allocated to Free 2 Talk to support them to seek an alternative venue to continue their work while necessary safety-related works are undertaken on their previous premises. Most recently, investment has also been secured to introduce a new table tennis table and coaching activities in partnership with NSport, providing additional recreational opportunities for the community.

In addition to this, during the past year alone there has been £140k of investment into a range of interventions including work to bring the former Sure Start Centre back into use, community cohesion events, dedicated staff to support community work and grants for charities providing programmes there.

Looking ahead, the partnership has a long-term vision to restore Park Square as a thriving community space, with action plans being refreshed for 2025. Meanwhile, community engagement remains a priority, with resident meetings and University of Northampton-led projects continuing to promote local involvement.

"We are committed to working closely with our partners and the Kings Heath community to deliver meaningful improvements that make a real difference to people’s lives.

“By investing in local facilities, supporting grassroots projects, and strengthening community engagement, we are creating new opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. These initiatives are just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing this important work alongside our local partners.”

Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities at WNC

During the summer, the partnership organises Kings Heath fun day, a family friendly event where all are welcome to attend and speak to officers about any issues or concerns in their local community. Resident meetings led by Northamptonshire Police have also received continued funding to ensure they can continue for at least another year to facilitate ongoing dialogue and collaboration.