Planning for a new heritage park in Northampton has been given the green light

Written by Bethany Longhurst
  • Posted: 21st May 2024
  • Last Updated: 21st May 2024
  • Category: Heritage Park

Planning permission has been granted to transform Chalk Lane Car Park in Marefair, Northampton into a new park celebrating the heritage of the former castle and local area; and which will offer open green space for families and the local community to enjoy.

Marefair and the surrounding area has a fascinating and important history as the site of the once famous Northampton Castle, with archaeological excavation sites, historic local buildings such as the Old Black Lion Pub, Hazelrigg House, Castile Hill URC, St Peters Church and a former Saxon Palace.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has secured £1.6 million from the Government’s Towns Fund towards the creation of this Heritage Park in Marefair and will deliver new green space, trees, play areas, heritage timeline poles, community gardens, pathways and lighting for everyone to enjoy.

Marefair provides the entrance into our town from the train station and we’re thrilled that planning permission has been granted. This is an important milestone in bringing forward a welcoming space for visitors and residents alike, this exciting project will provide really important open green space for the communities of Spring Boroughs to enjoy and understand more about the history of the town.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth

Following planning permission being granted, works will now be underway to prepare for construction works to begin this summer.

Click here to find out more about the regeneration schemes which are taking shape across Northampton.