Retailer Set To Buy Long-Standing Derelict Site

A retailer is close to securing a deal to buy a long-standing derelict site in Desborough.

The Central Co-Op is working to agree terms to acquire the former Lawrence’s shoe factory site, which has stood empty for over 20 years.

The two-acre site off Harborough Road was put up for sale by North Northamptonshire Council in 2023, with an asking price of £1.25m.

The former Lawrence’s factory site
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER

A spokesperson for Central Co-Op, which already has stores in Desborough, told HFM: “Central Co-op is pleased to confirm that we are working with North Northamptonshire Council to agree terms to acquire the former Lawrence Factory site in Desborough.

“While we are not yet in a position to share full details of our plans, we are committed to working closely with the Council, local community and our valued Central Co-op Members to develop a project that brings lasting benefits to Desborough.

“Our goal is to create a space that supports local needs while contributing positively to the town’s future, and we look forward to sharing more details in due course as our plans progress.”

The former Lawrence’s factory site

North Northamptonshire Council inherited the site from the former Kettering Borough Council, which had bought it in 2005 from the Midland Co-operative Society.

Various uses for the land have been considered over the years, including building Tesco and Aldi supermarkets, a community hub and council houses, but none of the plans ever progressed.

Any sale was hampered by the complications of the land having a long-standing covenant on it,  imposed by the Co-Op to prevent the site being used for retail purposes.

The area has also become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, with people getting into the derelict buildings prompting safety concerns.

North Northamptonshire Council has been approached for comment.