Capital&Centric calls on Northampton to shape bold new town centre neighbourhood
Social impact developer Capital&Centric is inviting locals to grab a drink, bite to eat, and have their say on plans for Albert’s Yard – a bold new neighbourhood set to transform a prominent stretch of Abington Street in Northampton into a thriving new community in the heart of Northampton.
Capital&Centric is working with West Northamptonshire Council to reimagine the former Marks & Spencer and BHS sites into a new neighbourhood designed for modern town centre living. The vision will deliver a minimum of 250 new homes, with amenities including private landscaped gardens with terraces, a resident gym, a mini cinema and co-working spaces – the kind of amenities that make a place feel like home.
The plans will also see new green spaces and characterful courtyards which will link the site’s heritage to the new development. There will be ground floor space for a mix of independent cafés, bars and restaurants designed to breathe life back into the heart of the high street and create a place that’s as much about community as it is about living.
The consultation will give people the chance to explore the emerging vision, meet the team behind it and help shape what comes next. The site is currently known as Albert’s Yard, but locals will also be asked for their ideas on a new name for the community.
Andrew Davison, Development Director at Capital&Centric, said:
“Town centres are evolving, and we’re here to give Northampton something it really needs - a place where people can live, spend time and enjoy being part of the town centre. We’re looking to turn a tired stretch of the high street into somewhere full of life, with new homes, independent operators and green space all coming together to create a buzzing neighbourhood. This is still a work in progress, so it’s important we hear from local people and shape the plans together.”
Cllr James Petter, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said:
“It’s encouraging to see real and visible progress on this landmark site, but this is only the beginning. Transforming these former department stores into a welcoming, outward looking neighbourhood is a major opportunity to strengthen our town centre, support local businesses and create new places for people to live, meet and relax. This consultation is a key chance for residents to see the emerging plans, share their views and help shape what comes next for the heart of Northampton.”
The consultation event will take place on Wednesday 6th May, 3pm-7pm at Zapato Lounge, where visitors can drop in at any time to view the plans chat with the team and have their say. The consultation closes on Friday 22 May 2026. An online questionnaire will also be available for those unable to attend, with feedback helping to shape the final plans before submission later this year to West Northamptonshire Council.
CONSULTATION DETAILS
Wednesday 6th May 2026
3pm – 7pm
Zapato Lounge, Northampton, NN1 2EB
The event is taking place on the first floor at Zapato Lounge and there is no lift access. Anyone unable to use the stairs will be met downstairs by a member of the team and shown the plans.
