Demolition of former M&S site nearing completion

The site of the old M&S building on Northampton's Abington Street has been knocked down

A town centre redevelopment project was on schedule for completion in early March following the demolition of a former department store, a council said.

The work at the old M&S site on Abington Street in Northampton has reached a key point, with the removal of its front facade.

The next stage of the scheme will see the demolition of the neighbouring building that used to house BHS.

It will be developed into a new mixed-use building, with flats on the upper floors and retail and leisure units on the ground floor.

Preparatory works are also taking place on the nearby former job centre, which will also be knocked down.

A Motofog unit is being used to reduce dust coming out of the site

The work is taking place in an area heavily used by pedestrians, and a Motofog unit is being used to spray water on the site and suppress the amount of dust in the air.

West Northamptonshire Council deputy leader James Petter said: "It's important to show Northampton is developing, it's the place to come, it's the place to be."

Northampton's Marks and Spencer store on Abington Street closed in 2018 as part of a savings plan by the retailer.

BHS closed all its stores in 2016, but part of the unit in Northampton has been used as a fashion and furniture retailer since then.

Deputy leader of West Northamptonshire Council James Petter said the work was complex