Three years on from £14 million town centre transformation – here’s how Vulcan Works is making a difference in Northampton
It has been three years since Vulcan Works opened at the heart of Northampton town centre following a £14 million transformation, and here’s how it continues to make a positive impact.
The creative hub opened in the Grade II listed prime location building on Guildhall Road in February 2023, and its offering for companies of all shapes and sizes has impressively grown during that time.
From rentable offices, co-working spaces and meeting and event rooms, to the ability to hot desk for as little as an hour if that is all you need, there is something for all businesses and entrepreneurs looking to grow in the town.
The project was years in the making and works were funded by West Northamptonshire Council and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, who facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3 million.
Together with a £3.06 million contribution from the European Regional Development Fund and management from Oxford Innovation Space, Vulcan Works was brought to life.
Vulcan Works is not just an office space, it is a bustling business community that is proud to invite collaboration and community. This is achieved through one-to-one business support and regular growth opportunities facilitated by on-site business growth manager Darren Smith.
International companies, including Hai Robotics and 3B Spa, have chosen Vulcan Works as their first UK base due to its central location, business support and unrivalled community feel.
Reflecting on the first three years that Vulcan Works has been open in the Cultural Quarter, centre manager Garrick Hurter told the Chronicle & Echo: “It’s flown by at a rapid pace and it’s been really enjoyable. We’ve managed to immerse ourselves in the community.”
The centre has continued to evolve throughout the years, including moving a meeting room to the front end of the building to accommodate the number of requests and converting a space into the main kitchen for those hot desking and co-working.
One of the biggest and most recent additions is the creation and installation of a podcast studio, which is particularly useful to those who do not know where to start or own the equipment needed. Uptake has soared since this was introduced at the start of 2026.
“Our biggest USP and what differentiates us greatly from others offering spaces for people outside their homes is the support element,” said Garrick. “Our on-site business growth manager Darren is on hand day-to-day to assist with strategic decision making and planning through workshops, events and masterclasses.”
As Vulcan Works is an Oxford Innovation Space, if Darren cannot assist with something, there are around 50 other business growth managers at different sites across the country who may be able to help.
The team is pleased to run ‘Vulcan Creatives’, a six-month programme of masterclasses, workshops and free co-working for 10 businesses. The third cohort is set to finish at the end of May.
When asked how it feels that international companies have chosen Vulcan Works as their first UK base, Garrick said: “It’s a fantastic feeling, and puts Vulcan Works front and centre.
“It shows you don’t have to go to London to set up a business if you come to the UK. Putting Northampton on the map is a great feeling. This all isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination, but I couldn’t be prouder.”
Looking to the future of the creative hub, Garrick would love to see Vulcan Works at 100 percent occupancy. “We want businesses to thrive and enjoy every part here,” Garrick concluded. “We are about community and we want people to think this is a long-term home for them.”