Street art project for towns across North Northamptonshire
Hi Street!03 November 2025
A creative street art project will brighten town centres across North Northamptonshire, as part of North Northamptonshire Council’s Hi Street campaign to support small businesses and celebrate local towns.
The Hi Street Art Project, delivered in partnership with Kettering Street Art CIC, aims to bring colour, pride, and community spirit to town by transforming everyday spaces into eye-catching pieces of hand-painted artwork.
Each design will be created on utility boxes or similar structures in town centre areas, turning overlooked spots into vibrant features with a bespoke design developed in collaboration with the community and brought to life by a local professional artist.
Building on the success of the first Hi Street Art project unveiled at Kettering Market Place earlier this year, the initiative will now expand to a further 11 towns. It will build on the creative work led by Kettering Street Art CIC, who have transformed everyday structures by working with local artists to paint utility boxes and deliver other public art projects around Kettering.
With the launch of the Hi Street Art project, the Council is inviting residents to share their ideas for themes that reflect their town’s story, from landmarks, buildings and local heroes to events, green spaces, culture or historical points of interest. The project is also calling for local artists who are interested in getting involved in designing and painting the boxes next spring.
This project is a wonderful way to celebrate the character and creativity of our towns. By turning everyday structures into works of art, we’re brightening our high streets and creating something the whole community can take pride in. The Hi Street Art project builds on the success already seen in Kettering and helps bring our shop and support local message to life right across North Northamptonshire.Cllr Jan O’Hara, Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth
It’s amazing to see how art can completely transform a space and bring people together. We’ve had such a positive response to the artwork we’ve delivered in Kettering so far, it’s sparked conversation, community pride and a fresh appreciation for the town. I’m really excited to work with new artists and communities across North Northamptonshire to create designs that reflect each town’s personality and story.Sally Leach, lead artist for Kettering Street Art CIC
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the project will feature one-of-a-kind designs in Thrapston, Oundle, Raunds, Corby, Wellingborough, Irthlingborough, Rushden, Rothwell, Desborough, Burton Latimer and Higham Ferrers. The artworks will come to life in spring 2026.
Residents wanting to share their ideas for the murals can email [email protected] Please include the name of the town the ideas relate to.
Local artists from the North Northamptonshire area who are interested in being involved in the project can contact Sally Leach at Kettering Street Art CIC by sending a maximum of 5 images to show examples of their work, and links to social media profiles to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is 23 November.
Find out more about the Hi Street campaign online, on the Hi Street Facebook page and Hi Street Instagram page. See more about Kettering Street Art CIC on Facebook and Instagram.