Buyer revealed as Northampton's Guildhall extension sale agreed after going on the market in the summer
A sale for Northampton's Guildhall extension has been agreed months after being put on the market by West Northants Council.
Northampton Town Council (NTC) has agreed in principle to purchase the long-term headlease of the Guildhall extension from West Northamptonshire Council, paving the way for the building to be retained for community use.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) put the modern extension up for sale in July 2025. No price was listed, but the property was being offered with vacant possession on a new 250-year lease via informal tender.
NTC councillors unanimously agreed to the proposal at the meeting of full council on Monday (November 24) subject to completion of a feasibility study and detailed costings.
If finalised, it would allow the town council to explore a future for the building as a community asset and office space, along with commercially let areas that support local services, according to NTC.
Councillor Les Marriott, chair of the policy and finance committee at NTC, said: “Our priority is to ensure that this important civic building is retained for community use and provides a place that residents can feel proud of.
“The town council considers the Guildhall extension to be of architectural, civic and cultural importance and we are committed to safeguarding its future so it continues to reflect Northampton’s heritage.
“We are working closely with WNC and this agreement in principle allows us to explore how we can protect the building and develop it into an accessible civic asset that serves the needs of our community.
“Our council offices will also continue to be based in the historic part of the Guildhall, alongside West Northamptonshire Council’s democratic operations.”
Councillor Mark Arnull, leader of WNC, added: “We are very pleased to have worked with NTC to put forward this mutually agreeable proposal that would see them remain in the Guildhall as we continue to renew relationships between the two authorities.
“Having the town council long lease the 1992 Guildhall extension would ensure it continues to be utilised alongside the historic 1864 part of the building which is the heart of WNC’s democratic operations and forms an integral part of our collection of heritage assets.
“Both councils are committed to working together to maximise public access to the building’s rich heritage, including opportunities for community events and weddings.”
A full feasibility study is underway to explore costs and financial sustainability, along with assessing the building’s long-term potential and community benefit. The town council will be seeking the views of residents and sharing further updates as this work progresses.
The Guildhall extension was designed by local architects and opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1992, as an addition to the Victorian Guildhall and base for the former Northampton Borough Council and public One Stop Shop.
The three-storey extension wraps around a large central courtyard and currently includes open-plan office space, meeting rooms and breakout areas. It also comes with 52 underground parking spaces.
Its courtyard has hosted many civic ceremonies, cultural events, and important public memorials, shaping the town’s identity and serving as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. It is also home to several bronze statues of famous figures from Northampton’s past, who have made substantial contributions to history on a local and global scale.