Exciting plans to turn Northants building into community hub are starting to become a reality
Exciting plans to turn a Northamptonshire building into a community hub are starting to become a reality, which is hoped to have a positive impact moving forward.
The South Northants Volunteer Bureau (SNVB), which supports the voluntary and community sector by providing guidance to organisations and delivering community services to improve lives, is in the process of enhancing the Riverside Resource Centre in Islington Road, Towcester.
Helen Barrett has been the CEO at SNVB for the past four years, having wanted to take on a role that had an immediate positive impact and made a difference.
A while ago, SNVB were given the news that they needed to vacate their former premises and they turned to WNC for support. The organisation spent a good 12 months looking for premises in Towcester that were sufficient for the larder, until the Riverside Resource Centre came onto their radar.
Building owners West Northamptonshire Council agreed that SNVB could use part of the premise while adult social care services were in the process of moving out at the time, on a short-term arrangement.
They then requested to stay on once adult social care services had left in April 2025 and WNC agreed. Since then, SNVB has been running the building and they are working to establish the details of a long-term lease with the local authority.
“We’ve made it our own,” Helen told the Chronicle & Echo. “There’s so many charitable groups in Towcester in the same position, and we see the potential for us to come together here.”
This process has begun as Towcester Food Bank is now situated in Riverside Resource Centre with SNVB, and they have combined crisis and community.
“It was a no-brainer,” said Helen. “So many community groups want to use the space but we are limited until we agree the lease. We want this to be a thriving and successful hub and resource facility at the heart of Towcester, which is easy for people to access.”
Helen is also hopeful about improving the energy efficiency of the building, developing a community garden, creating a space for parents and tots, and ensuring as many people make the most of the warm and welcoming space they have created as possible.
When asked what difference she believes the Riverside Resource Centre will make to the Northamptonshire community, Helen said: “It gives people a focus, it gives us a home, and it gives a lifeline to some really important services.
“The voluntary sector is suffering from a three-pronged attack – an increase in demand for services, the cost of providing them, and less funding and resources available.
“We want to work more collaboratively and efficiently with charities and community groups, and offer access to a warm, welcoming, friendly and invitational space. Nobody knows what you are walking in for and that reduces stigma.”
Between 1,800 and 2,000 people currently walk through the door each month and Helen wants to see that figure increase – as she knows the difference that can be made when people come together with good ideas, willpower and positive energy.