Hanwood Park residents have had their say - survey results

12 February 2026

Hanwood Park residents have had their say – and the feedback is already helping to shape the future of this growing Northamptonshire community. A recent residents’ survey drew nearly 300 responses, offering a rich picture of who lives here, what matters most to our residents, and how Hanwood Park can continue to develop in the right way.?

A young, local, family-focused community

Our residents survey shows that Hanwood Park is very much a homegrown community. Around two-thirds of residents moved from within 10 miles of Kettering, with many coming from Kettering itself, underlining the development’s role in meeting local housing needs. More than half of households have children living at home and a large proportion of adults are in the 25–44 age bracket, reflecting a strong base of young families putting down roots.?

Many residents told us they chose Hanwood Park as first-time buyers or to secure a larger family home, often seeking more space and a better quality of life. This mix gives the area a dynamic feel: a place where people are at the start of their journey, building their lives and futures here.?

What residents value – and what they want more of

Our survey highlights a clear set of priorities for everyday life. Residents place a high importance on access to health services, local food stores, cafés and everyday amenities, alongside green spaces and safe, well-lit streets. These findings reinforce Hanwood Park’s long-term vision to create a complete community with the right services and facilities within easy reach.?

Green spaces, play areas and places to walk and cycle stand out as particularly valued. Families are looking for safe, attractive routes and outdoor areas where children can play and neighbours can meet, emphasising how important the environment and public realm are to quality of life.?

Schools, childcare and getting around

For many households, education and childcare are front of mind. A significant number of respondents expect to need nursery and primary school places in the next couple of years, and some have found it challenging to secure their first-choice school. This underlines why new education provision coming forward at Hanwood Park is so important for local families.?

Transport is another theme that came through strongly. Most people currently rely on cars for commuting and everyday journeys, but there is clear interest in better walking and cycling routes, more frequent buses and options like a community shuttle to key local destinations. This feedback supports ongoing work to make Hanwood Park better connected and more sustainable over time.?

A community that wants to get involved

One of the most encouraging findings is the strength of community spirit. Almost all respondents said they would be likely to attend local events, and many offered to volunteer or get involved in future consultations and planning activities. This shows that residents are not just passive recipients of change – they want to help shape it.?

Hanwood Park’s partners are committed to building on this enthusiasm and involving residents at every stage as new facilities, services and spaces are brought forward.?

Thank you for having your say

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. Your views are invaluable and will play a direct role in informing priorities for new services, facilities, green spaces and community activities at Hanwood Park. This is just the start of an ongoing conversation, and there will be more opportunities to get involved, share ideas and work together to make Hanwood Park the best it can be.