Works to deliver a new heritage park in Northampton to begin next month

29 January 2025

Construction will commence on the highly anticipated Marefair Heritage Park in early March 2025. 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. 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.

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 will contribute towards the town’s wider regeneration plans, including the Four Waterside and Marefair development. This scheme, spearheaded by WNC in partnership with Cityheart, aims to transform the gateway into Northampton. Once complete, Four Waterside will provide high-quality office space, a new hotel, residential opportunities, and enhanced public spaces, attracting businesses, visitors, and investment to the East Midlands. As part of the next steps to deliver this project, engagement activity will launch in 2025 to help shape the scheme.

"The Marefair Heritage Park is a key milestone 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 West Northamptonshire Council

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

“We are very pleased to be part of 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, 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

West Northamptonshire Council remains committed to delivering these transformative projects, which will help shape a brighter, more prosperous future for the town. 

Click here to find out more about regeneration schemes across Northampton.