Your Voice Matters… consultation launched on future of Wellingborough town centre
Growth, plans and policies05 May 2026
North Northamptonshire Council has launched a consultation on a new masterplan for Wellingborough town centre.
Previously, a review of four growth town centres (Corby, Kettering, Rushden and Wellingborough) was undertaken by an independent, external company. The review looked at existing data, undertook site visits and assessed each of the towns identifying opportunities and constraints for sites and town centre initiatives.
The results showed that Wellingborough offers the biggest scale and opportunity for developing a masterplan when looking at factors including existing assets, opportunities and lack of recent external funding investment.
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.
Development of the Masterplan to this point has included:
- Work with council teams to identify opportunities for investment and ensure a coordinated approach.
- Engagement with Wellingborough Councillors to reflect local priorities and aspirations.
- The creation of the Wellingborough Stakeholder Focus Group, which includes representatives from the Town Council, Northamptonshire Police, community and charity organisations, business representatives and local services.
Now the council are consulting on the vision for Wellingborough town centre, objectives and specific areas (named Intervention Areas in the masterplan) across the town centre.
To reach this point, we have been working closely with stakeholders from across the Wellingborough area. But now we need residents’ input on the draft Masterplan and five areas across the town centre.Cllr Jan O’Hara, the council’s Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth.
Going forward, we plan to lead by example and work closely with communities and stakeholders to positively impact the growth of town centres across North Northamptonshire.
For this particular piece of work, I would encourage residents to get involved and have their say - your local knowledge and thoughts are invaluable as we finalise the Wellingborough Masterplan.
The development of this is new vision for Wellingborough town centre is very exciting, especially as this consultation is part of a wider phased plan that looks at regeneration for all our town centres, as well as our BIG50 vision.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council.
As well as looking to the future, we are looking at how we can best harness the heritage of Wellingborough and deliver the civic pride of this very special place. I really hope that residents take the opportunity to share their views in a positive way.
To coincide with the consultation, two in-person open days will be held at:
- Swansgate Shopping Centre on Tuesday 12 May 2026 - 10am - 4pm
- Wellingborough Library on Wednesday 27 May 2026 - 10am - 4pm
These drop-in days will provide an opportunity to ask questions, share your views, and learn more about the Masterplan.
When the consultation closes, all responses will be analysed and collated into a report which will then be presented to the council’s Executive later in the year. It is proposed that a similar plan for Kettering will then follow.
The consultation is now live and will run until 15 June 2026 and can be accessed online via the council’s consultation hub.
Alternatively, you can respond via email or post to Wellingborough Masterplan Consultation, North Northamptonshire Council, Swanspool House, Doddington Road, Wellingborough, NN8 1BP.
Printed versions of the consultation will be available at Wellingborough Library.