Work to start on heritage park at castle site

The park will offer a walking trail around the footprint of the castle

Construction will start on a heritage park on the site of a castle in early March, a council has said.

The facility in the Marefair area of Northampton will include a castle-themed play area, a community garden and a walking trail following the footprint of Northampton Castle.

The castle was originally built in 1084, but fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1879.

West Northamptonshire Council hoped the new park would "celebrate our town's rich history while enhancing its future".

Northampton once had one of the most prominent Norman castles in England, with deep trenches on three sides, extensive grounds and a large keep.

It was used by the Parliamentarians during the Civil War and, once the monarchy was restored, it was almost destroyed on the orders of King Charles II.

The remains of the building were demolished in 1879 to make way for a railway station.

The park will be built on the site of the Chalk Lane Car Park (upper right of photo), opposite the Black Lion Pub (bottom centre)

West Northamptonshire Council said the heritage park "complements the wider transformation of Northampton town centre, enhancing the entrance into the town from both rail and car, with work scheduled for completion by late summer 2025".

It has been funded by £1.6m from the Towns Fund, developer contributions and the council itself.

Visitors will be able to see a heritage timeline telling the story of the area and follow a trail around the footprint of the original castle.

The castle-themed play area would "feature cherry trees that echo the orchard formerly within the castle walls".

The park was scheduled for completion by late summer, West Northamptonshire Council said

Dan Lister, the Conservative-controlled council's cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "This exciting new green space will celebrate our town's rich history while enhancing its future.

"Marefair Heritage Park will play an important role in making Northampton a vibrant destination for residents, businesses and visitors."

An initiative was announced this week to transform a 90ft (27.4m) brick wall in the castle area into "a vibrant and educational landmark".

West Northamptonshire Council is using £20,909 of Arts Council England funding to create a mural next to Northampton Station.

Dan Lister, from the council, said the park would help Northampton become a vibrant destination for residents, businesses and visitors