Kettering is a handsome market town 130 km outside of London. In 2001, it had a population of over 51,000 people. Kettering is one of the fastest-growing towns in the UK, and its town centre is seeing some major redevelopment efforts. Kettering boasts an adult employment rate of over 80 percent, one of the highest in the UK. This is a business-friendly town, being the home for Weetabix, RCI Europe, Pegasus Software, Timsons Ltd and Morrisons Distribution. The UK’s oldest theme park, Wicksteed Park, attracts over a million visitors annually.
Tresham College has a new £20 million campus to support its 16,000 students and staff of 800. The Kettering General Hospital is situated in Kettering, and provides service for northern Northamptonshire. You can visit the magnificent Boughton House, only 4.8 km north-east of Kettering.
An estimated £10 million is being invested in town centre development. Work on the award-winning Market Place has been completed. Horsemarket has been extensively improved and is open for business, supported by new bus terminals and evening taxi service. Many different businesses serve the towns residents – you can find Kettering pizza shops, Kettering cleaners, Kettering dog kennels… you get the picture.
New improvements are being planned for Market Street, Sheep Street and Market Place. Streets are being spruced up and roads are becoming friendlier to pedestrians by limiting superfluous traffic. Streets will share the same high-quality building materials used in the Market Place development. Town planners anticipate an increase in the number of shoppers and retailers in the town centre due to these improvements.
Kettering’s attractions and services include the following:
- Manor House Museum – a place that takes a “hands-on” approach to history that appeals to individuals of all ages. Includes regular activities and temporary exhibitions.
- Alfred East Art Gallery – a showplace for local artists and for permanent exhibitions. You can see the works of Sir Alfred East, T. C. Gotch, and others.
- Hotels – Kettering is served by The Royal Hotel, Kettering Park Hotel, The Red Lion Hotel, and Rushton Hall.
- Restaurants – Mouthwatering and top-rated restaurants include Bella Sicilia, Beradi’s, Little Chef, Mazza Indian Restaurant, The Old Bakehouse, the Palmichael and Red Rose.
- The Lighthouse Theatre – Kettering’s premier entertainment venue, featuring live stage plays, a science museum, and many other attractions.
- Student Council – the Kettering Borough Council is aimed at involving Kettering teens in the running of their own community.