Renovations 'haven't led to more sales', say traders

Northampton Market Square renovations have not led to a long-term increase in sales, some traders have said.

It reopened in October 2024 following £13.5m of works, including specially made kiosks, new paving, lighting, seating and a water feature.

West Northamptonshire Council said the Market Square remains a priority and it played an important role in supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and creating opportunities for people to come together.

The improvements were funded through the government's Future High Streets Fund, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and an additional £1m from the council's general fund after the project went over budget.

Traders had to move out in January 2023 while the renovations were completed.

Joe James, who runs Tiptoe Ventures in the square, said trade was good when the market reopened but has since fallen.

"[In] the beginning we had a lot of people coming in, [but] for the past few months it hasn't been so great," he said.

"We don't have a lot of people coming to the market [now]."

James believed the permanent closure of the nearby Mayorhold car park caused fewer people to visit.

"Now there's no car park, no one wants to come to the market, and there used to be some [events] here that made people come in."

Roger Judkins sells antiques at the market and said he has been a regular trader for 20 years. He said trade was good immediately after it reopened and then went quiet.

"[For a] couple of weeks there was a bit of business, but after that there wasn't even enough without paying rent to stay here," he said.

"I won't be coming back; there's no trade. [Apart from] Friday and Saturday, it's dead as a doornail.

"[Before the renovation] we were making money; it had character, it had a heart, now it's got nothing."

However, Becky Carrier, who runs the Creative Place in the square, said her organisation only exists because of the square revamp.

"The Creative Place was literally invented because of the opportunity of the [new] market," she told the BBC.

"We have this really small space right in the heart of town where so many people pass through. We can have really quiet days, and we can have really busy days, and I want to be part of the solution in terms of getting more people into the market.

"We say Northampton is a town of rebels and revolutionaries, misfits and mavericks, creators and changemakers, and I just want to see all those people on the market."

She said she had seen less antisocial behaviour since the renovation, which was a positive change.

Councillor Mark Arnull, the Reform UK leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: "Northampton Market Square remains a key part of the town centre and continues to play an important role in supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and creating opportunities for people to come together.

"We recognise that people will have different views on the changes made through the refurbishment, and we continue to listen to feedback from traders, businesses, residents and visitors.

"The market itself remains a priority for the council, with strong occupancy levels and new traders continuing to join. This winter the Market Square will be at the heart of WinterFest, a new festive programme shaped by feedback from residents."

The authority said it is "committed to working with traders, businesses and partners to ensure the Market Square continues to evolve as a thriving destination that benefits residents, visitors and the local economy"

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