Former Northampton factory gets new lease of life
19 July 2010
West Northamptonshire Development Corporation has approved plans that will breathe new life into an historic former factory.
On Tuesday 13th July, WNDC’s Northampton Planning Committee provided approval to Lagan Homes Ltd for the development of 126 new homes at the site of the former Pearce Leatherworks in Great Billing. The approval is subject to a number of conditions, including the completion of a section 106 agreement.
The Pearce Leatherworks was built in the 1930s and was involved in the manufacture of leather goods including shoes and handbags. However, the factory closed in August 2002 after business suffered from overseas competition. The former factory is currently contaminated and will require extensive remediation to be brought back into use. The former offices of the listed building will be retained and refurbished, while part of the derelict old factory building will be demolished to accommodate new houses. Alongside this, the former powerhouse will be converted into 6 apartments.
The new homes will be designed to complement the historic architecture of the existing buildings and will therefore have a distinctive, art-deco appearance. Work is expected to start later this year.
Adrian Arnold, WNDC’s Director of Planning Services said: “The Pearce Leatherworks are part of Northampton’s history and it’s pleasing to see the building being given a new lease of life. This development will provide much needed new homes for local people in an excellent setting. It is a high quality scheme that will bring disused land back into use”
Sue Blackman, Sales and Marketing Director for Lagan said: “We see the Pearce Leatherworks as our flagship development and a fantastic opportunity to offer a traditional residential scheme, reflecting the art deco theme set by the former factory. Interest is already high with some potential purchasers ‘picking’ their new home even before Planning was Approved”
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Categories: Northampton