Residents living in iconic Northampton building submit plans to transform long-abandoned toilet block next door

Those living in the Latimer & Crick Building, on Cattle Market Road, Cotton End, have submitted plans to West Northamptonshire Council to transform the neighbouring former NBC Public Conveniences site.

The building they live in is one of the town’s best-known historic landmarks. Built in 1893 as T.C. Thompson’s corn and fodder mill and later expanded by 1913, it played a key role in supporting the cattle market and Phipps Brewery, forming part of Northampton’s industrial heritage. It remains a prominent gateway building on the route into the town centre from Delapré.

However, in recent years the derelict former toilet block next door, owned by WNC, has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

In their letter, residents said: “The Latimer & Crick Building is greatly valued by local residents and contributes to the historical identity of the South Bridge area. Regrettably, the view and setting of this iconic building are severely compromised by the current condition of the adjacent former public conveniences.

“The former toilet block in question and surrounding land are in an alarming state of disrepair. In recent years, the site has been damaged by a road traffic accident, subjected to attempted arson, requiring fire service intervention, occupied by squatters, a site of persistent antisocial behaviour and drug use; and a hotspot for vandalism, which has begun to spread to the South Bridge and the Latimer & Crick Building itself. It was also subject to abandonment of a sunk boat which took many years to remove.

“These conditions not only create a public safety concern but also diminish the character and liveability of this historically significant area.

“We would like to propose an alternative use for the land, focused on restoration, conservation, and community wellbeing.”

Residents say their vision is to restore the toilet block structure by re-roofing and stabilising it, while retaining its historical character. They also want to create a gated garden area for Latimer & Crick residents, with native hedging, wildflowers and bird-friendly planting, and to preserve and enhance the existing public footpath and cycleway while keeping access to the riverside open to the public and making it more attractive overall.

They said: “We believe this approach will not only protect the heritage and character of this gateway area but also significantly reduce antisocial activity by giving the space a purpose, presence, and regular upkeep. Access to the garden space will be via a gate to the left of the former public convenience.”

WNC says it has set a target decision date for May 11.