The Big Help Out

As part of the Coronation Celebrations of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort in Northampton, Northampton Town Council, Northampton BID and West Northamptonshire Council are partnering to improve St Katherine's Gardens for the Coronation 'Big Help Out' on Monday 8th May.

St Katherine's Gardens is a green space in the centre of Northampton that was once the site of the nineteenth century church of St Katherine. It provides a walkway between the Bus Station and Horsemarket, and is neighboured by businesses on College Street, St Katherine's Street and King Street. The aim is to improve the area to become a destination for local residents, town centre workers, and visitors to the town.

Work is already underway with contractors from West Northamptonshire enhancing the cleanliness and safety of the park and removing graffiti from the surrounding walls. Partners are also working with Northamptonshire Police and local Neighbourhood Wardens to improve community safety within the park.

The notion of 'The Big Help Out' from His Majesty The King's office encourages people to try volunteering for themselves, to support the local area and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation Weekend within the community. Therefore, on Monday 8th May, a collaboration of volunteers from Northampton Town Council's Environmental Services Committee, The Royal British Legion and local businesses will join forces to spruce up the area.

Cllr Jane Birch, Chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council said:

'Become a volunteer in your local community, help out with groups of neighbours and friends and discover skills and interests you never knew you had! It's fun and you make a difference.'

The theme for the space is influenced by the King's passion for sustainability, biodiversity and the natural world. Volunteers will plant sustainable plants (perennial plants that last all year round), flower beds will be pruned to encourage the growth of existing wild flowers and a general tidy up of the land will happen on the day.

Early plans subject to permissions, also include the addition of sustainable planters, wild grass and flower areas, seating and the addition of a floral/wellbeing mural to enhance the area.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Chair of the Environmental Services Committee, Northampton Town Council said:

'St Katherine's Gardens has much potential as a peaceful green space in an urban area of the town. It would be fantastic to make an appreciable difference to the Gardens through the volunteer project and the act of volunteering has been shown in a number of research studies to improve the wellbeing of the people taking part, so that's another reason to get involved.'

Mark Mullen, Operations Manager for Northampton Town Centre BID said:

'Northampton's strength lies in its community spirit, and The Big Help Out is the perfect opportunity to harness that spirit and come together to make a positive impact. Every small act of kindness can make a big difference, so I encourage everyone to get involved and be part of something truly special.'