West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has completed the purchase of the Corn Exchange in Northampton, marking a key milestone in its ambitious plans to revitalise Northampton town centre and transform the Greyfriars area.
The Corn Exchange, a historic building that has stood empty for over a decade, will soon be brought back to life as part of a wider vision for a vibrant, multi-generational neighbourhood.
Once a-thriving hub for cinema and entertainment before becoming the Chicago Rock Café, the Corn Exchange has long been a beloved part of the town’s history.
The Council’s acquisition of the building signals a significant step forward in the transformation of Greyfriars, where WNC plans to create a new, connected neighbourhood featuring green spaces, entertainment areas, and improved transport routes.
The Corn Exchange will serve as the cultural anchor of the Greyfriars redevelopment, reimagined as a venue for entertainment, leisure, and performance that will attract both daytime and evening visitors.
Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: “The Corn Exchange has been a part of Northampton’s rich heritage, and we are thrilled to take ownership of this iconic building as part of our broader vision for Greyfriars.
“By restoring it to its roots as a place for entertainment, we are safeguarding its history while creating new opportunities for cultural and economic growth. This project is not just about redeveloping a site—it’s about reconnecting our community with its town centre, breathing new life into a cherished space, and building a future that is vibrant and inclusive for all.”
The site will be an integral part of the Greyfriars masterplan, which has been developed through extensive public consultation with local residents and businesses. The 25-acre area is set to transform into a dynamic and inclusive neighbourhood, integrating the historic building into a space designed for the future.
The Council is working closely with the English Cities Fund (ECF)—a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse—to take the project to the next level of detail.
WNC will now work with ECF to further evolve the masterplan, investigate the best uses for the building and explore funding opportunities for the delivery of the scheme. Together, the partnership will present an updated masterplan to the public and Council in spring next year for consideration and consultation.
Following the public consultation, and approval from Council, the project will then begin the necessary next steps such as planning, to bring this scheme forward.
The regeneration of the Corn Exchange also promises to improve connectivity within Northampton. Once isolated, the Greyfriars area will be seamlessly linked to the town centre, creating a direct route between the newly transformed Market Square and the Greyfriars site.
This development will create a cohesive and accessible town centre, positioning the Corn Exchange as a focal point for both the local community and Northampton’s broader cultural landscape.
