Spring Boroughs, Northampton

The project was undertaken on behalf of social housing provider Northampton Partnership Homes, an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) owned by Northampton Borough Council with a stock of 11,700 homes.

The Spring Boroughs estate is made up of a mixture of housing types, dominated by large, low-rise blocks of flats. The works comprised practical and aesthetic improvements to the communal areas of these buildings.

Attractive, landscaped areas were created within central courtyards, using resin-bound golden gravel pathways throughout. Raised wooden planters were constructed to accommodate greenery. The large gardens to Grafton House also gained a pagoda area in which residents can socialise and relax.

Practical features installed include laundry drying areas, benches, picnic tables, bin stores and lockable outside storage units for bicycle and tools. New car parking areas were also constructed to a number of properties.

The works to St Peter's House were supplemented by a grant from the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme.

The highlight of the project is a visually-appealing new pathway running between St Peter's House and Doddridge House, providing a safe pedestrian route towards the town centre. This area has gained feature lighting, modern street furniture and a decorative stone feature marking the location of a historic well.