‘We need increased footfall to survive’: Cry for help from Northampton’s 'hidden gem'

A visitor attraction and important piece of local history is urging more people to come back in a bid for survival.

78 Derngate, the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, had to close for a number of months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As lockdown restrictions eased, the house was allowed to reopen, as were museums and galleries, on July 4 - the same day pubs were allowed to reopen.

However, bosses have said this may have been ‘too soon’ as for the whole of July the attraction was quiet.

Now bookings have picked up slightly, but footfall still needs to increase if the important piece of local history and 'hidden gem' is going to survive.

Liz Jansson, house manager, said: “The month was nowhere near our usual quota.

“People are still a bit worried about going out, but we are ready and they can see that things are in place.

“We have had people saying they have been meaning to come for so long, so maybe now is the time to do so.

“It is a really nice way to spend the day going through the house and then going for afternoon tea in the restaurant.”

Although the house cannot offer guided tours while social distancing measures are in places, they have done everything they possibly can to make the experience as good as possible.

Visitors can download an audio commentary from characters throughout history to their phone to listen to on the way round.

For those who do not have a smartphone, there is a printed copy of the script that they can read as they walk.

There is also a one-way system in place and the shop has been relocated to the upper level.

Liz added: “Like any charity we need people to come in and spend money with us, in order to survive.

“We need people to come in to keep this heritage house surviving so people can see it for years to come.

“It is one of the best things about Northampton and we need to keep it that way.

“The pandemic has had such a terrible impact on so many people and we do worry about the future, but I am hopeful that we will survive.

“Every little bit helps and if we get more customers each day that will all be a step in the right direction.

“We also have the extension to look forward to, which will give us more visitor space and room for performances and exhibitions, so we have to get to that stage.”

Since the start of August, bookings have picked up slightly and the restaurant, ‘The Dining Room’, is part of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, so Liz hopes that will also improve footfall.

To visit 78 Derngate pre-booking is required, which can be done by calling 01604 603407 and to book at the restaurant call 01604 230166.

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