Northampton Guildhall

Extension to Northampton Guildhall

The Northampton Borough Council with four of its main departments spread about the town in unsuitable leased accommodation decided to centralise its activities and provide one focal point for the public. The new extension was hosen by architectural competition. After submissions of the designs, 5,000 members of the public cast their votes and in January 1990 SWB were appointed as architects and lead consultants to carry out their award-winning design.

The extension design reflects the proportions, rhythm and materials of the original stone façade, but in a simpler form on a structural steel frame.  The two public areas are on the ground floor around a central courtyard with a vaulted arcade which also gives improved access to the Guildhall.  Offices are located on the upper floors and a car park is in the basement. A warm handmade Charnwood brick was used to the rear and the side of the extension to reflect the original materials used on other parts of the Guildhall.  The new brick structure between the new stone building and the existing street frontage is based on market town Guildhalls.

Completed: December 1991

Value: £9,200,000