Active travel route to encourage walking and cycling in Northampton officially opens

A scheme supported by University of Northampton (UON) that offers more than a kilometre of traffic-free routes for use by walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users in the south of Northampton Town Centre has officially opened.

The 1,300-metre route provides an accessible path through Delapré Park to link Far Cotton with Brackmills and offers people the chance to use more sustainable methods of travel and a better connection to local amenities.

Funded by Active Travel England, the Delapré Active Travel route will encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling whilst providing a missing link between these areas and forms part of the Northampton Active Quarter.

As part of the project a bike shelter has been installed, general hedge maintenance has been carried out to improve the appearance and the drainage system has been redirected to reduce the risk of flooding. Wayfinding signage and seating will be installed soon.

UON Associate Professor in Physical Activity & Health Dr Declan Ryan says: “This project has been a brilliant example of the University, local community, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, and the Council working together to improve our parks. As part of the University’s research, residents could raise concerns about the accessibility of the footpaths at Delapré Park. The Council and the Trust used this evidence in their grant application to Active Travel England, which has now resulted in the new paths being installed, alongside wayfinding and seating.

“We will continue to evaluate the impact of the new footpaths until June 2025 so residents will have the opportunity to share their feedback from February that year, allowing them time to experience the new footpaths.”

Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “It’s fantastic that the works are now finished, and this accessible route is open for everyone to use and enjoy for work and leisure. The project, delivered by our Highways partner Kier Transportation and funded by Active Travel England, has been made possible through strong collaboration with local organisations and the community. This new route will improve access to local amenities, reduce carbon emissions, and encourage more people to get active.”

This comes as work begins next week on the first phase of the Abington Active Travel scheme which aims to improve connectivity and accessibility in the Abington Park area, joining Rushmere Road to Wellingborough Road.

Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust added: “These new routes are transformative for the community, offering not only a beautiful and accessible connection through Delapré Park but also opening up vital links between Far Cotton and Brackmills. By encouraging walking, cycling, and wheeling, we’re improving access to local employment, education, and green spaces while supporting healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. This project is about much more than just infrastructure—it’s about enhancing opportunities for everyone to engage with their environment, connect with the wider community, and thrive.”