The Drapery Student Accommodation, Northampton
Project Architect at 56Three
Client: Zone Luxury Student Accommodation
As a project architect at 56three, I led the design and coordination of The Drapery, transforming a former Debenhams department store in Northampton's town centre into a vibrant mixed-use development. The project delivered 203 student studios and ground-floor retail space, breathing new life into a key urban site. A central south-facing courtyard was introduced to provide natural light and communal space, creating an inviting environment for residents and visitors alike. The design carefully balanced the scale and massing of the new structure to harmonise with the surrounding streetscape.
Key challenges included repurposing a large retail building into functional residential units and enhancing pedestrian connections through the historic Swan Yard Lane. By revitalising this route and integrating the development into the urban fabric, the project improved connectivity and contributed to the ongoing regeneration of Northampton's town centre. The Drapery successfully combined modern amenities with thoughtful urban design, creating a cohesive and community-focused addition to the area.
