Plans submitted for Delapré Abbey, Northampton

Plans have been submitted for the redevelopment programme of Delapré Abbey's 19th century stable buildings and yard. Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust appointed Buttress in March last year as the lead designer and heritage consultant for the project, signalling a significant step forward in the ongoing preservation and enhancement of the 900-year-old Grade II* Delapré Abbey estate.

 

The £4.8 million initiative aims to restore and repurpose the stables and associated buildings, enriching the visitor experience of the historic abbey's grounds and buildings. This will transform the cluster of buildings, bringing them back into operational use. The programme will deliver a mixed-use development, which will include wellbeing and retail uses. The proposed wellbeing community hub seeks to promote the mental and physical health of both the local community and visitors alike. A number of community organisations, local traders and businesses have already agreed to occupy spaces and deliver activity programmes from the wellbeing community hub.

The plans have also embraced sustainable elements such as ground source heat pumps, photo voltaic panels and rainwater harvesting. Biomes have been added to the structure to support microhabitats for insects, birds and microorganisms and are particularly key to encouraging visitors to enjoy and adopt sustainable improvements in their own homes. 

Lucy Ashcroft, Senior Architect at Buttress, commented on the plans:

"This is an important planning application on a key site in the Delapré Abbey estate.  It presents a unique opportunity to sensitively restore and revitalise these buildings while serving the needs of the Northamptonshire community and visitors from further afield. We look forward to working closely with the local council and stakeholders to bring this vision to life."

 

Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, added:

“This is an important step in the continuing restoration and repurposing of the Delapré estate. Thank you to everyone who engaged with the consultation, and the partner organisations and perspective tenants who have demonstrated unwavering trust in the redevelopment. This milestone has been achieved with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Architectural Heritage Fund, which have both supported the early development stages.”

“There is still a significant amount of work to be done, but it is pleasing to submit the planning application which has stayed true to the original brief: welcoming, sympathetic to its heritage setting and showcasing the use of high-quality design materials. We look forward to sharing further updates over the coming months. Anyone interested in being involved with this project, please email info@delapreabbey.org.

"Delapré Abbey's 19th-century stables stand as a testament to our heritage. With these plans, we aim not just to preserve history but to cultivate spaces that nurture community, wellbeing, and sustainability for generations to come."

The plans are now under review by West Northamptonshire Council with the project due for completion in 2025, pending approval.