Northampton Pavilion Transformed into Café Gem
Image credit: BBC
A century-old pavilion in Becket’s Park, Northampton, has been given a new lease of life, transforming it into a delightful café that has already made a “big difference” to the local community. This rejuvenation effort, spearheaded by the voluntary group Buddies of Becket’s, has turned a derelict building into a vibrant hub for park-goers.
The pavilion, which had stood empty for years, is now a charming café situated on the picturesque River Nene, directly opposite the town’s university. Nick Stephens, co-founder of Buddies of Becket’s, expressed his excitement, saying, “We’ve been looking forward to the opening of a café here for years.”
Formed in 2016, Buddies of Becket’s has been dedicated to the upkeep and improvement of the park, nestled between the general hospital and Northampton Marina. Stephens recalls the park’s former state: “It wasn’t perfect then, had a bit of a reputation, and it was quite overgrown and unloved.” The group campaigned tirelessly for over seven years to bring the pavilion back into use, recognising its potential despite its rundown condition.
The breakthrough came last year when West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) agreed to leases for both the café and the voluntary group. Built in the 1920s, the pavilion originally served as a gathering spot for bowlers in the park. Now, it has been lovingly restored and opened as a café in May, much to the delight of the community. “It’s really nice, it has made a big difference to the park,” Stephens noted.
Iain Hill, the café’s owner, shared his journey of nearly 15 years trying to secure the building. With a background in running pubs, cafés, and restaurants, as well as property renovation, Hill saw the pavilion’s potential. “The pavilion was here just rotting away, nothing was really happening and… I just saw the potential,” he said.
The café’s opening marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to revitalise Becket’s Park, providing a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
