Allen Pyke Associates in partnership with Peter Brett Associates were appointed by Northampton Borough Council to redesign an area of public realm and create a flexible events space in this project to regenerate Northampton’s historic market square.

The project included the creation of a gateway seating area at the entrance to the market square from the High Street, a new interactive water feature and input into the re-branding of the market.

The design process was informed by regular meetings with key stakeholders, including market and local shop traders, the town management team, the events production team and council officers. A public exhibition, including simple a 3D video of the different landscape proposal options, was also staged in the market itself.

Since the completion of the scheme in 2010, footfall in the market has increased and a large number of successful events have been held. The project was shortlisted for the 2010 Local Government Awards.