Kettering venues keep historic names before reopening

By the hiyastar.co.uk News Desk

North Northamptonshire Council has confirmed that Kettering’s cultural site currently referred to as Cornerstone will keep the historic names of its main venues as work moves toward a fuller reopening.

The updated identity means Alfred East Gallery, Kettering Library, Manor House Museum and Manor House Gardens will each be presented under their original names, rather than being placed under a single umbrella brand.

Historic venue names retained

The council said the new visual approach is intended to connect the buildings without replacing their individual identities. Each part of the site will have its own visual logo, with a shared design device used to help visitors understand how the venues relate to one another physically and culturally.

The final identity was developed in-house after two options were shared with stakeholders, a move the council said helped reduce costs to taxpayers.

Library returns to its old home

Kettering Library is due to fully reopen in its old home on Monday 6 July 2026, after work on the library and art gallery roof comes to an end under budget.

To allow the move to take place, the library will close to the public on Friday 3 July and Saturday 4 July. The council said there may be some limited disruption after the move while final works are completed and the roof contractor leaves the site.

Work is also expected to continue toward reopening Alfred East Gallery. Before a formal opening of the whole site, the gallery team is due to host an exhibition from Northamptonshire & Rutland Open Studios in the Garden Room onsite.

Public feedback shaped the design

The council said feedback from the public and a stakeholder session in February set the direction for the identity. The key points were that the historic building names should remain unchanged, the design should avoid the appearance of a single umbrella brand, and the identity should feel rooted in local heritage.

A formal opening for the whole site is planned to coincide with Northamptonshire Day at the end of October, with more details to be published later. Existing signage around the site will be reused where possible to limit cost impacts.

Source: North Northamptonshire Council