Kettering venues keep historic names before...

Contents

Historic venue names retained
Library return set for July
Public feedback shaped the identity

By Beehive Web local news desk

Kettering’s library, art gallery, museum and gardens will keep their historic names as North Northamptonshire Council prepares the cultural site currently known as Cornerstone for its full opening.

The council said the new visual identity will not create a single umbrella brand. Instead, each venue will be presented under its established name, with a shared design approach intended to show how the buildings connect on site.

Historic venue names retained

The four names confirmed for future use are Alfred East Gallery, Kettering Library, Manor House Museum and Manor House Gardens.

The council said the aim is to preserve the individual identities of each place while adding a subtle contemporary visual link across the wider cultural area. Existing signage will be reused where possible to limit extra cost.

Library return set for July

Kettering Library is due to fully reopen in its old home from Monday 6 July 2026, after work to replace the library and art gallery roof comes to an end. The council said the roof project is finishing under budget.

Kettering venues keep historic names before reopening: practical information

To allow the move back, the library will close to the public on Friday 3 July and Saturday 4 July. Some disruption may continue after the move while final works are completed and the roof contractor leaves the site.

The Alfred East Gallery is also moving toward reopening. Before the formal opening of the whole site, the gallery team will host an exhibition from Northamptonshire & Rutland Open Studios in the Garden Room onsite.

Public feedback shaped the identity

North Northamptonshire Council said the final identity followed public feedback and a stakeholder session held in February. That process identified three priorities: keeping the historic building names, avoiding the impression of an umbrella brand, and creating a heritage-led identity rooted in place.

Two options were designed in-house to reduce taxpayer cost, then shared with stakeholders before the final version was amended and approved internally.

A formal opening for the whole site is planned to coincide with Northamptonshire Day at the end of October 2026, with further details to be published later.

Source: North Northamptonshire Council