Major plans unveiled to build 45 ‘high-quality’ flats on a busy Northampton town centre street
Major plans have been unveiled to build 45 ‘high-quality’ flats on a busy Northampton town centre street – next to now-demolished fire-ravaged building.
Proposals have been submitted for a new co-living block on the former Friendly Society Medical Institute site in Broad Street, located beside Cheviot Place and backing on to Sheep Street.
Chase Parker Holdings Ltd, which owns both the development site and the adjoining Oriel House building, is seeking permission to build a six-storey block containing 45 co-living rooms on what is currently a car park and the remains of the derelict former Friendly Society Medical Institute.
The plans would see most of the old institute demolished, with the main frontage restored and incorporated into the new development. The rear of the site sits near the now-demolished Ex-Servicemen’s Club & Institute in Sheep Street.
According to plans, the private bedrooms would be arranged in clusters of five, each sharing a kitchen. Tenants would also have access to communal lounges, work areas, a gym-style space and a roof terrace.
The developer says the accommodation is aimed at young professionals, graduates and older residents who want more social and flexible rental options.
A spokesperson for Chase Parker Holdings said: “Our plans will bring a high-quality, community-focused development back into active use on this long-neglected site. We intend to deliver modern private rooms supported by generous shared spaces, creating a safe, sociable and well-managed place to live right in the heart of Northampton.”
They added: “As a rental product, the co-living typology comprises private rooms that are supplemented by a comprehensive suite of dedicated internal and external shared communal spaces such as kitchens, gyms and lounges. It allows residents to have privacy when they need to – in well-equipped bedrooms, and to socialise as part of a wider community when they want to.”
The developers say the new block would “fill the Broad Street gap”, rising to five storeys with a smaller sixth floor.
The application also fits alongside earlier plans for the company’s neighbouring property. In 2023, Oriel House received permission to be converted from offices into 18 flats, including the construction of an additional storey. The applicant says that approval was secured with the future Broad Street development already in mind, ensuring the two projects work together.
Seven parking spaces behind Oriel House will remain for its residents, but the new co-living block itself would be car-free, supported instead by 45 long-stay cycle spaces. Service vehicles would access the site from Sheep Street, while the main pedestrian entrance would be on Broad Street.
The application was submitted three days after demolition began (Friday October 24) on the fire-hit Ex-Servicemen’s Club & Institute in Sheep Street. The building had remained in a condemned state since a major fire at around 6am on Sunday March 30 sent thick black smoke across the town and forced part of Sheep Street to be closed for months.
Northamptonshire Police have confirmed the blaze is being treated as arson. No arrests have been made and the investigation continues.
The co-living application was formally received by West Northamptonshire Council on October 27, 2025. A decision is expected by January 26, 2026.