Former shoe factory could become supermarket

The former Lawrence's factory in Desborough has been empty since the 1990s

A derelict former factory site in Northamptonshire could be sold to a national supermarket chain.

The former Lawrence's factory in Gladstone Street, Desborough, looks likely to become a new Co-op store, according to ward councillor David Howes.

He said the Co-op wants to develop the North Northamptonshire Council-owned site, which has been empty for nearly three decades.

A council spokesperson said: "NNC has been considering the future of the site for many years and have explored all options for the site including housing and retail."

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.