Demolition plans for department stores approved

Plans to demolish two former department store buildings and replace them with flats have been given the go-ahead.

The former Marks & Spencer and BHS stores in Abington Street, Northampton, are expected to be knocked down next spring.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) approved the plans, which also include demolishing the former job centre on Wood Street.

The council wants to replace the stores with residential flats and retail and leisure spaces.

The BHS store closed in 2016 and the Marks & Spencer branch shut two years later.

The M&S building was bought by the now-defunct Northampton Borough Council for £1.45m in 2020.

West Northamptonshire Council acquired the old BHS unit in 2022.

Since then, various temporary shops have occupied the space, but now the buildings will disappear altogether.

Demolition work is expected to begin in late spring 2025 and is estimated to be completed within 10 months.

Councillor Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said the approval for the demolition was a "significant milestone" in the council’s commitment to "transforming Northampton town centre".

"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," he added.

The plans are part of a £33m town centre regeneration project.

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