ECF brings Greyfriars vision to life at women's rugby world cup

We brought our vision for a dynamic new neighbourhood at Greyfriars to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, sponsoring the Northampton Fan Zone.

Greyfriars is the most ambitious regeneration opportunity in West Northamptonshire. Our vision will bring derelict and historic buildings back to life, create new cultural and creative destinations, deliver flexible workspaces, and provide new homes for the whole community.

The Rugby World Cup presented a chance to celebrate a global sporting event, while engaging the local community to shape the town centre’s future.

Franklin’s Gardens, in Northampton, was selected as a host stadium for the World Cup and welcomes fans from across the world for several pool matches. This includes England’s match against Samoa – which took place on Saturday 30^th August.

As part of the warm welcome laid on for visitors and fans, ECF proudly sponsored Northampton’s World Cup Fan Zone. We met residents, visitors, and rugby fans to share updates on Greyfriars and invited people’s views on Northampton town centre.

We asked them what the area needs most, what could be improved, how people could benefit, and how regeneration could meet local challenges. The feedback we received is already helping our teams shape the future of Greyfriars, and the future of Northampton.

The Fan Zone enjoyed a fantastic turnout. There was a special appearance from the Spanish rugby team, live performances from BBC Introducing artists, live matches streamed on a big screen, a silent disco, and children’s face painting.

The Fan Zone also featured a buzzing marketplace of local businesses, showcasing the very best of Northampton and the surrounding area.

Glyn Mutton, Development Director at Muse, said:

“Our sponsorship of the Northampton Fan Zone has also presented an opportunity to meaningfully engage with residents and visitors as part of our vision for Greyfriars. We’ve been able to understand more about people’s experience of Northampton, what they think needs to change, and what should be celebrated.”

“Together with our partners at West Northamptonshire Council, we will continue engaging with the community to ensure Greyfriars supports a vibrant town centre that reflects Northampton’s identity and ambition.”

“By building on major events like the Rugby World Cup, we can tackle local challenges, and unlock new opportunities for Northampton town centre.”