Long-anticipated move for Northampton art studio set to get closer with planning application support

A Northampton art studio's long-anticipated move looks set to take a step closer after another planning application has been recommended for approval.

NN Contemporary Art is currently closed while it moves from 9 to 24 Guildhall Road after being granted planning permission and given a £1.2 million government grant last year.

A fresh application by Northampton Borough Council, which is backing the move, wants to add eight new change of uses to the building relating to its conversion from a former Northamptonshire County Council office.

The borough council's planning officer said the application should be approved by the planning committee in their report ahead of the meeting next week.

"The development as proposed is acceptable and would contribute to the aims of regenerating the town centre, providing a cultural focus within Derngate Conservation Area and the Northampton Cultural Quarter and a viable long-term use for the existing buildings," the report states.

"The proposal would not lead to any undue impacts in respect of impact on heritage assets, impact on surrounding amenity or impact on drainage and highways."

NN Contemporary Art, a registered charity which offers studio space for people at all stages of their career, wants to move as it has outgrown its current premises.

The neo-Georgian building at 24 Guildhall Road, opposite the Royal and Derngate, forms part of the museum development after being vacated by the county council in 2017 when One Angel Square opened.

The new base would have a gallery, a reception and seating area, project space, nine artist studios offering work and research space for artists, an education room for 10 people with audio-visual technology for presentations, a staff room, an office, a kitchen and toilets.

The borough council's planning committee will discuss the application on Tuesday, February 16.