Derelict shoe factory being renovated into flats

Work is under way to convert a Grade II listed former shoe factory into apartments.

The Hawkins factory in the centre of Northampton was built in 1875, but has stood empty since it closed in 2000.

Several planning applications have been made since then but often hit stumbling blocks over the conservation and preservation of the historic building.

Ermir Sefolli, from developers OEH Group, said: "The plan for the building is to bring it back to the golden era that it had."

Ermir Sefolli, from the OEH Group, said the fixtures would reflect the factory's boot and shoemaking past

The derelict Hawkins shoe factory is on the corner of St Michael's Road and Overstone Road in the centre of Northampton.

It was until recently one of the most prominent undeveloped buildings, despite plans for renovation being first submitted almost 20 years ago.

In 2016, plans were approved but issues around the windows and parking meant work never started.

But the site was acquired in March 2022 by the OEH Group shortly after planning permission was granted by West Northamptonshire Council for 89 apartments.

The Hawkins factory, pictured here in 1997, closed down in 2000

Mr Sefolli said: "So many of the wooden structures had to be replaced with new wood, but rather than actually throwing that away we have used them as features which are not structural but just to give the new occupiers a little bit of history with their new apartments.

"It means a lot to the community and we want to make sure that this building is preserved to last for another 200 years."

He said the company aimed to have the apartments completed by January.

'Boot and shoe industry through and through'

Northampton Shoe Museum's Rebecca Shawcross said the Hawkins shoe factory was a focal point in the town

Rebecca Shawcross, senior shoe curator at Northampton Shoe Museum, said Hawkins was "really well known for hiking, mountaineering and walking boots".

She said she was often asked if the boots could still be bought, but had to "disappoint" people by telling them the factory had closed down.

"It was quite a coveted thing to have a pair of GT Hawkins walking boots," she said.

The musuem have a collection of shoes, boots and photos from the factory

Ms Shawcross said the company was also known for its horse-riding boots and made them for Princess Anne for the 1976 Olympics.

She said the whole area around the Hawkins factory "was really boot and shoe industry through and through".

"So it's really lovely that now, after so many years, the building is being renovated," she said.