Motorists are set to lose almost 200 more parking spaces in Northampton town centre after West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) announced temporary closures at two car parks.

WNC has announced that archaeological investigations will begin at Upper Mounts and Newlands car parks on September 1 as part of work to support the proposed Greyfriars regeneration scheme.

The council said the investigations are needed before a planning application can be submitted and will assess ground conditions and identify any archaeological remains on the site.

Around 160 spaces at Upper Mounts Car Park will be taken out of use for up to two months, while 36 spaces at nearby Newlands Car Park will also be temporarily unavailable, according to WNC.

Around 160 spaces at Upper Mounts Car Park (pictured) will be taken out of use for up to two months while trenching and survey work is carried out. A further 36 spaces at Newlands Car Park will also be temporarily unavailable.

placeholder image — Around 160 spaces at Upper Mounts Car Park (pictured) will be taken out of use for up to two months while trenching and survey work is carried out. A further 36 spaces at Newlands Car Park will also be temporarily unavailable.

The latest closures come just weeks after WNC shut the 1,000-space Mayorhold multi-storey car park after crumbling concrete was discovered. The council said work is continuing to determine whether the car park can safely reopen.

However, Doddridge Street Car Park has recently reopened after WNC closed it in March ahead of the proposed Four Waterside regeneration scheme. The council reopened the site after the project was delayed.

WNC said motorists will still be able to use Campbell Square, St Michael’s Multi-Storey and the Grosvenor Centre Multi-Storey car parks while the investigations are carried out. Temporary signage will also be installed to direct drivers to alternative parking.

According to WNC, the investigations are expected to finish by the end of October, with parts of the affected parking areas potentially reopening before Christmas, subject to the outcome of the works.

The investigations are part of the proposed Greyfriars regeneration scheme, the largest brownfield redevelopment site in Northampton.

The first phase is expected to deliver more than 100 homes on the current Upper Mounts and Newlands car park sites. WNC said the plans include townhouses, maisonettes and apartments, alongside a community garden and improved walking and cycling links to the town centre. The council is also exploring opportunities to make the homes affordable.

The wider 25-acre Greyfriars site includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station, Mayorhold and Victoria Street car parks, the Corn Exchange, Belgrave House and the East and West Islands.

According to WNC, the overall masterplan includes around 1,000 homes, alongside shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure space. The development is expected to be delivered in phases over the next decade.

The council said the scheme could create up to 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, unlock more than £1 billion in economic value, and generate an additional £21 million a year in local spending once complete.

Reform Councillor Kamala Guliyeva, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: “Greyfriars is an exciting opportunity to bring forward new homes, public spaces and investment in Northampton town centre, helping to create a vibrant new neighbourhood while making better use of a significant brownfield site.

“While we recognise the temporary impact these investigations will have on parking provision, they are a necessary and important step in bringing forward a regeneration scheme that will deliver new homes, improved public spaces, new commercial opportunities and long-term investment in the town centre.

“We’re committed to keeping disruption to a minimum and ensuring residents, businesses and visitors are kept informed throughout the process. The short-term inconvenience will help unlock substantial long-term benefits for Northampton and support a stronger, more vibrant town centre for future generations.”

ECF Development Director Glyn Mutton said: “This marks an important milestone in unlocking Greyfriars and progressing plans for its future.

“We understand the closure of these car parks will affect users, and it has been carefully considered to minimise the impact, including limiting the closure to affect the least amount of spaces for the minimum amount of time.

“These investigations will help us learn more about the significance of this part of Northampton and ensure any archaeological discoveries are recorded, understood and considered as we continue to look towards the future enhancements to this area.”