Exciting plans for Daventry town centre include major new play area, greener spaces and shopping improvements
Ambitious plans to transform Daventry town centre with a major new children's play attraction, improved shopping areas and greener public spaces have been unveiled.
West Northamptonshire Council's proposed regeneration masterplan includes improvements to the High Street, Market Place and Sheaf Street, alongside new leisure facilities and better walking and cycling connections.
A flagship project would create a destination play area at New Street Recreation Ground, featuring play equipment, natural play features, landscaping and improved facilities.
The council hopes the attraction will encourage more families to visit the town centre, while supporting nearby businesses.
Other proposals include transforming Mulberry Square, near the Arc Cinema, into a space for community events, leisure activities and public art.
Market Place could become a more welcoming venue for markets and events, with additional seating, landscaping and cycle parking while maintaining existing parking capacity.
The High Street would benefit from tree planting, improved lighting and opportunities for outdoor seating, while Sheaf Street could receive improvements to its bandstand and surrounding public spaces.
Plans also include creating a green corridor along Eastern Way, improving connections to Daventry Country Park.
The proposals follow consultation with residents and businesses, which found 80% of respondents wanted improvements to shopping facilities, while 78% supported more greenery.
Importantly, earlier housing proposals at Eastern Way and Ashby Road have been revised following public feedback, with greater emphasis on recreation, green spaces and community facilities.
Councillor Kamala Guliyeva, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: "We've listened carefully to local people throughout the process and many of the ideas in the plan, including proposals for a new destination play area, have come directly from what residents told us they wanted to see."
The council intends to prioritise the play area alongside smaller improvements, including planting, lighting and public art.
Cabinet members will consider the masterplan on November 10.
If endorsed, it will guide future investment and funding applications, although individual projects will require further design work, consultation and approval.
The council says the long-term ambition is to attract more visitors, strengthen local businesses and create a town centre offering more opportunities for families and young people.