Funding secured from house-builders and developers will support a hotbed of arts and culture in Northampton.  WNDC has awarded £50,000 to the Northampton Arts Collective to help renovate their future home at 9 Guildhall Road. 

Set over 4 floors, the centre will feature exhibition, event and education spaces, as well as studio and business units for artists and start-up companies in the creative industries. The Arts Collective has vacated its previous location at the old Fishmarket, which is the intended site for a proposed new Bus Interchange.

During its time as a planning authority, WNDC secured over £50m in developer contributions to infrastructure. The funding, which is collected as development takes place, is invested in a wide range of community facilities.

Chris Garden, WNDC’s Director of Regeneration said “Northampton is fortunate to have a diverse and dynamic cultural scene but it needs investment to thrive. Located close to the Royal and Derngate Theatre, the new centre will be a great addition to Northampton’s emerging cultural quarter. We’re pleased to be one of several local partners providing support”

Christine Midgley, Chair of the Board of Northampton Arts Collective said: “We are really pleased that WNDC has shown this confidence in us as an organisation that has proved that it can deliver a stimulating and ambitious arts programme. This, along with the continued support of NBC , NCC,  ACE and now The University of Northampton, will allow us to re-establish a gallery and develop new, different and challenging projects in a building which is entirely different but no less wonderful than the Fishmarket”

NAC is currently delivering a season of contemporary art in different offsite spaces across Northampton entitled ‘Fishmarket at…’ during their transition to their new home in 9 Guildhall Road.

Northamptonshire County Council owns 9 Guildhall Road, and is making the building available to the Arts Collective. The County Council is also helping to bring the building up to standard, and a contribution from Northampton Borough Council will be used to help with re decoration.  Work is expected to start later this month, with the first phase of improvements due to be completed in November.

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