Deal Collapses For Long-Empty Desborough Site

A retailer has pulled out of a deal to buy a long-standing derelict site in Desborough.

The Central Co-Op had planned to acquire the former Lawrence’s shoe factory site from North Northamptonshire Council, but will no longer be going ahead with the purchase.

The retailer was chosen as the preferred buyer after the building and land off Gladstone Street was put up for sale for £1.5m in 2023.

The former Lawrence’s factory site PIC: ANDY CARPENTER

Various uses for the site, which has stood empty for nearly three decades, have been suggested over the years, but none have ever moved forward.

Previous attempts to sell the land to a discount retailer including Aldi have been complicated by a long-standing covenant preventing it from being used for retail.

The restriction was imposed by the Co-op when it previously owned the site, although it has now indicated it maybe willing to lift the measure.

Cllr Andy Coleman from Desborough Town Council is hoping that happens and new plans for a discount supermarket can come forward soon:

The former factory site

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

A spokesperson for Central Co-Op said: “We have recently reviewed our position and following discussions at our Capital Committee, Central Co-op has decided not to proceed with the purchase of the former Lawrence Factory site in Desborough.

“North Northamptonshire Council and their selling agent has been informed of our decision, and we will continue to engage constructively with the Council and other partners to ensure the best possible outcome for the site.

A spokesperson for NNC said: “North Northamptonshire Council had been considering the future of the site in Desborough, known locally as the former Lawrence’s factory site, for many years and have previously explored a number of options for the site including housing and retail.

“In 2024, the council identified the site as surplus to requirements and the council’s Executive approved for the site to be marketed on the open market.

“Following a competitive tender process, we chose to proceed with a sale of the Lawrence Factory site in Desborough to the local Co-op group. The due diligence relating to the sale had been progressing well and we were expecting the sale to complete in September.

“At the end of September, Co-op informed the council that they are no longer able to move forward with the purchase of the site. We understand this is following a change in circumstance earlier this year and following completion of their due diligence on the site.

“This is a complex site, with many challenges, and we will now be reviewing the options open to us to sell this site.”

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