Looking ahead: Community Spaces Northampton prepares for next chapter

May 2025: Community Spaces Northampton (CSN) is preparing for its next chapter, following the departure of Strategic Director Alice Morgan, whose four-year tenure has shaped a period of significant growth, collaboration and impact for the charity.

Since joining CSN, Alice – supported by colleagues and trustees – has played a pivotal role in expanding the charity’s services, securing the future of much-loved community spaces, and strengthening partnerships across Northampton. Her leadership has helped to embed CSN more deeply within the communities it serves, with a clear focus on collaboration, empowerment and inclusion.

Today, CSN proudly manages ten thriving community spaces across nine neighbourhoods, including Bellinge Community House and Semilong Community Centre – both of which had previously been at risk of closure due to wider sector challenges and financial pressures.

Chair of Trustees Jessica Pilkington said: “A huge thank you to Alice whose support and leadership have been unwavering and have helped shaped us into the resilient and ambitious charity we are today. Our community centres are more than just buildings – they are places where people feel welcome, supported and connected. As Alice steps down, we see this as a time not only to thank her but to take stock, to listen, and to plan.

“We are using this transition to review our strategy, explore new opportunities and ensure the long-term sustainability of our work. With our dedicated staff, volunteers, and trustees, I’m confident we will continue to build a strong and secure future for CSN.”

Reflecting on her time at CSN, Alice Morgan said: “It has been an immense privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team, all of whom are passionate about making a real difference in our local communities. The impact we’ve achieved together has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. While it is time for me to pursue new challenges, I have full confidence in the future of CSN and the strength of the team to continue this important work.”

Throughout her tenure, Alice championed community-led development, co-created new service models with residents, and helped navigate the challenges brought by the cost-of-living crisis. Under her guidance, CSN has continued to flourish, providing vital services and support to some of Northampton’s most vulnerable communities.

Trustee Martyn Wheatley added: “We remain deeply committed to the mission of Community Spaces Northampton, and we will work closely with staff, volunteers and partners to ensure our continued success. Our community spaces are essential to the fabric of this town – hubs of warmth, activity and connection – and we will continue to develop them in response to local needs.”

The Board of Trustees is not rushing to recruit but instead taking this opportunity to pause, reflect and strategically plan for the future. Over the coming weeks, they will engage with stakeholders to shape the next phase of CSN’s development and explore how best to build on the strong foundations already in place.

If you would like to support Community Spaces Northampton, get involved, or find out more about becoming a trustee, please contact: bookings@communityspacesnn.org