Northamptonshire Association for the Blind

Bowman Riley designed a new building in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, as a bespoke centre for the Northamptonshire Association for the Blind.

For over 125 years, the Northamptonshire Association for the Blind (NAB) has been a vital lifeline for individuals living with sight loss, providing guidance, support, and specialised products to help them live independently and with confidence.

To continue this vital work, Bowman Riley has designed a purpose-built centre in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, explicitly tailored to Northamptonshire Association for the Blind’s growing needs and vision for the future.

Replacing an outdated facility, the new building will create a welcoming, fully accessible environment that empowers people with visual impairments to thrive. The centre will include dedicated teaching and administration spaces, a specialist local radio station and recording studio, and a series of auditory, educational, and sensory rooms designed to stimulate and engage users in different ways.

Designed as a vibrant mixed-use hub, the development will also feature a police enquiry desk, a community café situated at the main entrance to encourage interaction and inclusion, and a mini-museum showcasing artefacts significant to the visually impaired community.

Built on a compact site along a busy main road, the project presented a unique design challenge. Bowman Riley’s solution integrates under-croft parking, a modern architectural style, and an abundance of natural daylight—all aimed at enhancing comfort, accessibility, and well-being for every visitor.