Storage unit on Northampton’s Racecourse could be turned into a community facility

A building in a Northampton park that is currently used for storage could be revamped and turned into a community facility.

As part of the Semilong and Trinity Neighbourhood Plan, the white-rendered building on the Racecourse that was used as an armoury during the Second World War, could be used to provide a community led framework to help tackle social, economic and environmental issues.

Local councillor for the area Jane Birch, who supports the redevelopment, said: “While it might be a long way off, I am hopeful that when the time is right, and the funding is there, there will be every chance this building could become a hub for the community.”

Cllr Birch has been working with students at the University of Northampton who have submitted potential designs for the building.

Ten architecture and spatial design undergraduates came up with a variety of alternative uses for the building, including a submerged theatre with outdoor stage, a community kitchen and ecology centre, a drug rehabilitation centre, an educational wildlife centre and a venue for art and wood workshops.

After seeing the ideas presented at an event on Thursday (March 27), Clllr Birch added: “The students came up with some amazing proposals and it was great to see the possibilities for the building.

“Each of the projects were designed to be life enhancing and enriching, which is absolutely right for the people who live in the area.

“I’m so excited by the concepts and the presentations were a hit with the audience, and there’s now a real appetite to see the building repurposed for the community.”

Kamalini Aiyampillai, a student at the university, was involved with the pitch and came up with a concept that incorporates a community creative hub and tree viewing gallery.

Kamalini said: “I really enjoyed the whole process of researching the area and connecting it directly with the design proposal.

“We all worked really hard and intensely on our projects and we came up with a variety of potential functions for the Racecourse building. So, if any of us have our concepts chosen and they one day become fully realised, it will be an amazing honour.”