We asked the council how it thinks Northampton's Market Square is performing two years after its £13.5 million makeover – here’s what the leader said

This newspaper asked West Northants Council (WNC) for its honest assessment of how the newly refurbished £13.5 million Market Square is performing, two years after it reopened (October 2024).

We asked the council how it felt the market was working, what had gone well, what had fallen short of expectations and what improvements it would like to see.

We also asked whether the council believed traders were happy and thriving in the new market, and whether it felt the public was making good use of the space.

We asked whether the refurbishment had delivered everything the council had originally hoped for.

We questioned whether the temporary relocation of traders to Commercial Street during the 18-month refurbishment had caused lasting damage to footfall, with some suggesting shoppers had developed new habits and were yet to return. We asked whether the council believed footfall had recovered to expected levels.

We also asked whether the council remained satisfied with the rents charged to traders, following this newspaper’s recent findings that traders owe £83,000 in rent, and whether it considered them fair and sustainable.

With some kiosk owners leaving or complaining, and many of the pop-up stalls appearing unused, we asked why these spaces had not been filled, whether there were plans to attract new traders and if any were currently in the pipeline.

We asked whether the large open area in the square could be put to better use by accommodating additional stalls, and whether the council would consider changing the layout if parts of the current arrangement were not working as intended.

We also asked about the relationship between market management and traders, including how regularly they communicate, how that relationship works day to day and how traders' concerns and suggestions are dealt with. This was asked due to reports of a no confidence vote in the management team in November 2025, which WNC denies took place.

Finally, we asked whether the council considered the current Market Square to be the finished product, or whether further changes were being considered. We asked what its vision for the market was over the coming years and what it most wanted to improve.

In a statement, which addressed some of the questions raised, Reform councillor Mark Arnull, leader of WNC, said: "Northampton Market Square remains a key part of the town centre and continues to play an important role in supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and creating opportunities for people to come together.

“We recognise that people will have different views on the changes made through the refurbishment, and we continue to listen to feedback from traders, businesses, residents and visitors. Since reopening, the square has hosted a wide range of markets, community activities and events, while providing a more accessible, flexible and welcoming public space at the heart of the town.

“The market itself remains a priority for the council, with strong occupancy levels and new traders continuing to join. We are also working closely with partners to bring a varied programme of events to the square and town centre throughout the year to help drive footfall and support local businesses.

“The refurbishment of Market Square, which was majority funded by the Government Towns Fund, was also designed to support the wider regeneration of Northampton town centre. Alongside improvements to Abington Street and Fish Street, it has helped create confidence for further public and private investment, supporting schemes including the redevelopment of Market Walk through STACK, the transformation of the former M&S and BHS site at 35-45 Abington Street, and plans for the future regeneration of Greyfriars. Together, these projects are helping to bring new homes, businesses, jobs and visitors into the town centre and support its long-term future.

“Looking ahead, this winter the Market Square will be at the heart of WinterFest, a new festive programme shaped by feedback from residents. WinterFest will bring a mix of family-friendly activities, entertainment, food and drink, community performances, festive markets and seasonal attractions into the town centre, helping to attract residents and visitors, support traders and create a festive atmosphere in the lead-up to Christmas.

“While we recognise the challenges facing high streets and town centres nationally, we remain committed to working with traders, businesses and partners to ensure the Market Square continues to evolve as a thriving destination. As part of a wider programme of regeneration and investment across Northampton town centre, our focus is on creating a place where people want to live, work, visit and invest, delivering long-term benefits for residents, businesses and the local economy."