Former Desborough Factory Could Finally Be Re-Developed Into New Homes

The former Lawrence’s shoe factory in Desborough could finally be re-developed as plans are announced to build over 40 homes there.

North Northamptonshire Council, who own the site, is seeking funding from government-back Homes England, to build a mix of one to five-bedroom properties.

The site on Harborough Road has been derelict for over 20 years and the plan would cost up to £9.5m.

Artist’s impression of how the site could look

The Council are proposing to retain the buildings and convert them into accommodation, a move supported by Historic England.

A project design consultation says it’s hoped that a planning application will be submitted by June with construction potentially starting in June 2022 and the scheme potentially being completed by December 2023.

Artist’s impression of how the site could look

The site, which was bought by the now-abolished Kettering Council in 2004, has been controversial for many years.

Tesco abandoned plans to develop it in 2014, before Desborough Community Development Trust (DCDT) won a £10,000 grant to assess options for refurbishing the site as part of a revitalised town centre.

Their report suggested the factory building itself – and not the whole site – could be converted to a small workspace for small businesses, a museum/heritage centre, cafes and shops or a community space for hire.

In 2018 plans to develop the site suffered another setback when Kettering Council could no longer access funds it was banking on.

The Lawrence’s factory originally opened in about 1830 as part of the silk clothing industry.

It converted to shoe manufacturing in the 1860s, as silk went out of fashion.

Artist’s impression of how the site could look