Executive to consider approval of Wellingborough Town Centre Masterplan
Growth, plans and policies04 August 2026
A blueprint for the future of Wellingborough town centre looks set to be approved by North Northamptonshire Council's Executive next week, following a public consultation.
A masterplan is a long-term plan that sets out how a town should grow and develop over the next decade and beyond. It provides a clear vision for the future and a framework to support economic growth, investment and community wellbeing. Before being consulted on, the Wellingborough masterplan was developed following extensive engagement with stakeholders (including the town council and Police), businesses, community groups, ward councillors and local residents.
The masterplan is part of the council’s wider plans to rejuvenate town centres across North Northamptonshire, with a masterplan for Kettering proposed to follow at a later date.
A six-week public consultation on the draft masterplan took place between May and June 2026, generating 272 formal responses with around 150 people attending a series of drop-in events.
Feedback demonstrated strong support for the Masterplan, with 84% of respondents supporting the overall vision and between 84% and 90% agreeing with its four key objectives.
Now, Councillors will be asked to approve the masterplan and next steps which include further work to develop feasibility studies, progressing identified interventions and funding opportunities.
This represents an important milestone in shaping a positive future for Wellingborough town centre and looking further forward at long-term regeneration and investment.Cllr Jan O'Hara, North Northamptonshire Council's Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth
I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and helped shape this vision. Responses showed strong support for the masterplan, whilst highlighting the issues that matter most to local people. These responses will help us we move through the next steps. These steps are not something we can do on our own, it will need a joined-up approach to make the masterplan a success with input and backing from a wide range of partners.”
If approved, the masterplan is about creating a town centre that works for residents, businesses and visitors, whilst helping the town centre adapt to a changing economy and building on existing strengths.
The Wellingborough town centre masterplan is an exciting piece of work aimed at improving the area for residents and visitors to Wellingborough.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council
It has been very well received by locals and businesses who are keen to see things progress - subject to funding being available. In the meantime, there have been a lot of ideas from residents which can be implemented much quicker.
What we learn in Wellingborough will be used to improve our other town centres who face similar challenges as shopping habits continue to change.
The masterplan was commissioned after an independent review of North Northamptonshire's four main town centres identified Wellingborough as offering the greatest opportunity for regeneration, with significant redevelopment opportunities, strong growth potential and a need to address long-standing town centre challenges.
North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday 11 August at the Corby Cube and the papers are available online. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.