Approval Granted for Demolition of Former Department Stores

Permission has been granted for proposals to dismantle two disused department store structures and construct residential units in their place. The previous Marks & Spencer and BHS outlets, situated on Abington Street in Northampton, are slated for demolition in the upcoming spring. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) endorsed these plans, which additionally encompass the demolition of the former job centre located on Wood Street. The council’s objective is to substitute these retail premises with residential apartments alongside new retail and leisure facilities. The BHS establishment ceased operations in 2016, followed by the closure of the Marks & Spencer branch two years subsequent to that. The M&S building was acquired by the then-existing Northampton Borough Council for £1.45m in 2020. West Northamptonshire Council took ownership of the former BHS unit in 2022. Subsequently, a range of temporary retail outlets have occupied the premises; however, these structures are now scheduled for complete removal. The commencement of demolition activities is anticipated for late spring 2025, with an estimated completion timeframe of 10 months. Councillor Dan Lister, who serves as the Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, stated that the demolition’s approval represented a “significant milestone” in the council’s dedication to “transforming Northampton town centre”. He further commented, “It not only meets the needs of our local residents by providing much-needed housing but also strengthens our local economy, creating new business and job opportunities.” These plans form a component of a £33m initiative for town centre regeneration.