STACK Northampton delayed AGAIN as major strip-out of former shopping centre gets under way

The £12 million STACK Northampton project is now unlikely to open by the end of winter 2026/2027.

West Northamptonshire Council had previously said the project was due to be completed in winter 2026/2027. That period runs through to March 2027.

But STACK has now said it is likely that work will continue into 2027, while warning that it cannot give an exact opening date.

The latest update comes as work moves into the next major phase inside the former Market Walk shopping centre.

A STACK spokesperson said: “Work is continuing as planned with the new STACK Northampton development and we are happy with the progress being made.

“Externally there isn’t much to see yet, but we have taken down the vinyl hoardings to repaint and refresh them while work is continuing inside.

“Internally we are carrying out a phased scheme to strip out the building and this continues.

“This has to take place in stages to allow time for the design team to refine their design.

“The soft strip has been completed and we now move into the second phase, which is a 12-week programme to include the full strip-out of internal finishes and redundant elements.

“This will take the building back to the existing shell and, to facilitate this phase the fencing has been moved to allow for safe removal of the internal infrastructure.

“Following completion of phase two, we will re-examine the space and firm up designs before we move into phase three, which will include major structural demolition.

“While we had initially hoped to open by winter 2026 it now looks likely that work will continue into 2027.

“Due to the complexity of this redevelopment we can’t give an exact opening date at this stage but will share updates as we progress.”

The scheme has already been pushed back several times.

The former Market Walk shopping centre closed in 2021. STACK's plans were originally expected to deliver an opening in summer 2025, but that was later delayed to winter 2026.

The Chronicle & Echo has also asked West Northamptonshire Council whether any money has so far changed hands between the council and STACK as part of the project.

The council has not confirmed whether any money has been exchanged.

WNC is supporting the project with £4.175 million from the Towns Fund, alongside £8 million from STACK.

The finished venue is planned to include a food hall, bars, retail units and a lower ground floor for live music, fitness events and family activities.

Around 250 jobs are expected to be created once it opens, with proposed opening hours of 8am to 2.30am every day.

Reform councillor James Petter, former cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at WNC, previously said: “This development will bring new energy into the town centre and will provide something for everyone across West Northamptonshire.

“This project will support existing businesses, attract new visitors, and create a destination that works for both the daytime and evening economy.

“Crucially, it will help better link Abington Street and Market Square, improving footfall and how people move through and experience the town centre.”

A spokesperson for STACK previously said: “STACK Northampton is a major project for us – both in scale and ambition.

“This is about doing the job properly and creating a destination Northampton can be proud of.”