Northamptonshire shoe factory could become supermarket
The building has been subject to various redevelopment proposals since its closure as a shoe factory in the 1990s, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.These included interest from Tesco and Aldi, and more recently, the development of a council-led social housing project.In 2023, the building was marketed at £1.25m.On social media, Howes, a member of the council's Conservatives group, said the outcome was not what "he had hoped for"."We already have a Co-op offering in the town and we had hoped we could attract something different," he added."What I am pleased about is that finally we look to be in the final stage of legal proceedings, and we will finally see the derelict site have a new facility and offering and be much more attractive."According to the council, the site was identified as being surplus to requirements last year and approved to be put on the open market.It said the sale is anticipated to be "be completed in the coming months".Co-op has been contacted for comment.
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BBC News
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When will Rachel Reeves start talking about saving money not just finding more & more ways of taking money away from people who themselves have bothered to save and work hard? — Kirstie Allsopp (@KirstieMAllsopp) August 19, 2025 Any moves to increase taxation have also been criticised by property presenter Kirstie Allsopp, who tweeted: "When will Rachel Reeves start talking about saving money not just finding more & more ways of taking money away from people who themselves have bothered to save and work hard?" Michelle Lawson, Director at Fareham-based Lawson Financial, admitted an overhaul to stamp duty is needed - but 'this is not it'. She added: "Everyone or nobody pays otherwise you create another division and another cliff edge, namely the £500k mark. Short-sighted tax grabs will be a disaster and will end up generating less rather than more. 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