Northamptonshire has long been a thriving focal point for development, with a recognition that transport links and house prices are fuelling the demand for high quality homes in an easily accessible part of the country. Nestled in the unitary authority of North Northamptonshire, Wellingborough is no different. However, what sets it apart from the other growth areas is the exemplar development of Glenvale Park, a green and vibrant community that knows how to deliver on local aspirations as well as housing numbers. Proof that development doesn’t have to be a battle between developers and residents, this is a community that started life with one clear goal in mind – to create a place that’s sustainable, delivers community facilities and encourages a sense of belonging. 

The newly opened Glenvale Church of England Primary School.

Meeting Place started supporting Glenvale Park with their PR and engagement work back in 2020 when the world was ruled by Covid and the economy was in turmoil. Despite the challenges, we rose to the occasion and successfully positioned the development as the preferred destination for people looking to buy a home in Wellingborough. Meeting Place continues to provide hands-on support for a range of PR activities across paid, earned, shared and owned channels (PESO). From content development and media relations to social media, community engagement and event consultancy.  

Glenvale Park’s newly opened local centre.

As the development progressed and the world returned to a sense of normality, we arranged and hosted a community fun day in 2022, with the objective of integrating Glenvale Park into the community of Wellingborough, as well as showing support to local groups who were affected by the pandemic and promoting the social value that will be delivered as part of the development.

Community fun day at Glenvale Park supported by Meeting Place.

The continued delivery of Phase 1, including a plethora of facilities and infrastructure, was then extended to the preparation of a Phase 2 application, with Meeting Place leading on the community and political stakeholder engagement programme. Following a positive consultation that included in-person events, social media campaigns, councillor visits and an interactive website, an application for the second phase of this much loved development was submitted in 2024 and was given the green light by North Northants Council’s Planning Committee last month. Perhaps an expected outcome given it’s allocated status in the Local Plan, but with the political upheaval following May’s elections and a very different socio-economic picture to the one when we first started working on the project, a really satisfying outcome, nonetheless.

An art installation at the new Glenvale Church of England Primary School commissioned by Glenvale Park LLP.

Building on our strong relationships with local organisations, groups and businesses, including the Glenvale Park Residents’ Association, North Wellingborough Anglican Church, Glenvale Park Football Club and more, Meeting Place continues to support Glenvale Park in showcasing the strong sense of community that has been fostered across the development. From producing engaging blogs, community newsletters and social media content to securing media coverage, the team has played a key role in telling the story of Glenvale Park. We’ve also helped to arrange high-profile visits, including a recent one from Stuart Andrew MP, to further raise the profile of the development.

East Midlands Business Brick Awards.

From submissions Meeting Place has crafted, the development was named Residential Development of the Year at the East Midlands Business Brick Awards, recognising the development’s positive approach to placemaking and social value. Glenvale Park is development we have been very proud to associate with and we look forward to seeing how it continues to deliver on its ongoing aspirations long into the future.