24/Three reveals first look at Greyfriars
Northampton-based architects 24/Three have released further information on the first phase of the town’s landmark regeneration project after plans were submitted for the scheme last week.
ECF lodged hybrid proposals for its Greyfriars development with West Northamptonshire Council, which include up to 1,220 homes, and more than 100,000 sq ft of retail, commercial and leisure space.
As part of a full submission for a proposed first phase of the scheme, 103 homes would be built on the Upper Mounts and Newlands surface car parks – with designs for the first six residential buildings since released by 24/Three.
The practice says the proposals for Plot 1 establish an early benchmark for the character, quality and delivery of the wider Greyfriars neighbourhood. The masterplan by Howells was submitted to West Northamptonshire Council on October 2.
A communal green space provides shared amenity for residents, incorporating informal play opportunities and creating a focal point within the development. Credit: 24/Three
“Plot 1 is the first opportunity to translate the wider Greyfriars vision into a place that people can genuinely live in and connect with,” said Sheleendra Fernando, founder of 24/Three.
“We have been conscious that this first phase needs to establish quality and identity, but also needs to be deliverable to get the wider scheme up and running and bring in people to what will become a new community. For us, people-centred design is about understanding how homes, streets and shared spaces will actually work together in everyday life, and making those decisions in response to the character and opportunities of the site.”
Under plans launched in November last year, a 1960s multi-storey car park will be demolished to make way for the wider scheme, with gardens and public spaces also included at the West Island end of the plot.
Hybrid proposals put forwards by ECF earlier in October include full plans for a 103-home first phase. Credit: 24/Three
The Greyfriars scheme has been brought forward by ECF, which is a partnership between Homes England’s National Housing Bank, L&G, and Muse.
Glyn Mutton, Development Director at Muse, said: “Bringing Plot 1 forward is an important part of our hybrid application and in turning the Greyfriars vision into reality.
“The wider masterplan establishes a framework for a new, well-connected neighbourhood at the heart of Northampton, and this first residential phase begins to put that framework into practice. 24/Three has developed a scheme that responds carefully to its immediate surroundings while establishing the quality and character we want to see carried through the wider regeneration.”
Plans and documents relating to the proposal can be found on West Northamptonshire’s planning portal, using references: 2026/3868/FULL & 2026/3869/LBC (Corn Exchange), 2026/3867/MAO (Hybrid proposals)
