West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has taken an exciting step forward in delivering its ambition for the future of Greyfriars as it seeks to purchase the Corn Exchange.
The Corn Exchange has stood empty in the heart of Northampton Town Centre for more than a decade. Many people enjoyed spending time at the former Cinema then Chicago Rock Cafe before closing its doors.
WNC has worked with local residents and businesses through a two-stage public consultation to deliver the ambitious vision for Greyfriars. The 14-acre area is set to amplify a forgotten piece of the town into a new neighbourhood which will encompass multi-generational living, dedicated green space and entertaining space, while improving connectivity to the town centre with improved transport routes.
The vacant Corn Exchange sits at the heart of the Greyfriars masterplan, providing a direct link between the new activities at Greyfriars and the core town centre, currently the Greyfriars area is severed off from the town centre and effectively an island.
If the acquisition is successful and plans are approved, the Corn Exchange will be a cultural anchor for the Greyfriars project, creating a new performance and creativity hub and leisure destination, attracting significant footfall and investment into the town.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC, said: “We are passionate about transforming Northampton Town Centre into a vibrant hub where everyone across West Northamptonshire and beyond can shop, dine, and enjoy all that the area has to offer. The acquisition of the Corn Exchange is a pivotal step in the ambitious regeneration of the 14-acre Greyfriars site.
“This long-neglected property, vacant for over a decade, occupies a key spot overlooking the soon-to-be revitalised Market Square and backing directly onto the Greyfriars site. We’re excited to move forward with this purchase, bringing it into our bold vision for Greyfriars, and breathing new life into the building as a dynamic community venue that will once again serve and inspire the local community.”
The proposals to purchase the Corn Exchange will be considered by WNC’s cabinet on 17 September, and if approved for recommendation will be presented by WNC’s full Council on 26 September.
