A place for me?

Older people and the future Northampton town centre

Research conducted by the University of Northampton in partnership with Age UK Northamptonshire, which asks for the views of older people and their experience of using Northampton town centre, was published on Friday 31st January 2020.

The number of people in Northamptonshire over the age of 65 continues to increase faster than the rest of the population in the UK.  The report's findings show clearly that many of the changes that would make Northampton town centre a place for older people would also make it a place for other age groups.

The report confirmed that older people are often invisible in discussions around the impact of urban regeneration and the last to have their views sought.  By working with Age UK Northamptonshire this project has enabled people over 65 to say what is difficult about the town and what they need to make Northampton town centre a place where they would feel welcomed.

Many of the participants have fond memories of Northampton and the history of the town is one of its most positive characteristics.  Older people have much to contribute to the town centre and the town centre itself has the potential to impact positively on the health and wellbeing of older people in particular. 

This research project confirms that older people can bring new life to the town centre with their custom and patronage, and value can be added to their lives by supporting them and by enabling their views to be heard when decisions are made on spending and regeneration.

Download the full report

Photographs by Jason Day