Rebrand of town's cultural hub dubbed 'unacceptable'

A local authority's proposed rebrand of a cultural hub in a town centre is "unacceptable", a councillor said.

Cornerstone in Kettering is home to four attractions including the town's library and art gallery, but has been partially closed since its roof was damaged during heavy rain in the Northamptonshire town in 2023.

Work on the £2m repair of the Grade II listed building began in March with the first Collyweston slate tiles laid in October.

Reform UK-controlled North Northamptonshire Council said it hoped to re-open the site under a new name in 2026, but Conservative councillor Helen Harrison said it was an "extravagant waste" and not a good "use of public money and officer time".

Harrison, who leads the Tory group on the authority, said: "This would be a massive waste of taxpayers money at a time when the council should be doing everything it can to cut cost not increase them.

"Reform were elected on a platform to cut wasteful spending and reduce taxes. This decision flies in the face on what they were elected to do."

Cornerstone also houses the Alfred East Art Gallery and Manor House Gardens and all of its services are managed by the council.

The council said its move to announce the rebrand followed "public feedback and careful consideration" and would see a tender process for a "local north Northamptonshire design agency to support with the brand development and creation".

Council leader Martin Griffiths said: "The roof project continues at pace and we're currently looking at the project coming under budget, something I know has always been a hot topic in the town.

"As we look to the future, we want to listen to our partners and, of course, the users of these brilliant public facilities to agree a name that best reflects the heritage of this important area of Kettering town centre.

"I can't wait to see these wonderful facilities reopened to the public in the heart of Kettering."

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