Mystery still surrounds Weedon Road Retail Park - here's what we know so far

Weedon Road Retail Park was supposed to be the new home of an Aldi supermarket and discount retailers B&M. This was confirmed in planning documents submitted to Northampton Borough Council, and also by the construction firm working on site, Quantum Construction, in December last year.

However, when this newspaper approached B&M for an official opening date, a spokesman said the company was not aware that it was moving into one of the empty units.

A B&M spokesman said: “We’re always looking at lots of potential new sites at any one time as we open more than fifty brand new stores a year - this isn’t a store that’s currently on our list of confirmed sites.”

Aldi did confirm it was still moving into one of the units. A spokesman said previously: "Construction for our new Weedon Road store is progressing well as we move towards opening later this year. This will create up to 40 jobs for the community.”

This newspaper has also contacted Aldi to see if it is downsizing from its supermarket in Harlestone Road, St James, but the company said it will not be speculating on closures.

To add to the confusion, members of the public spotted Quantum Construction workers with a large sign which had both the Aldi and B&M logos on it.

The current advertising sign is now covered in blue plastic wrapping and no logos can be seen underneath it - it still remains a mystery as to what company will move into one of the units, but it is believed that a firm is lined up to move in.

The Chron contacted the property management company responsible for the site, Sanderson and Weatherall, and is awaiting a response. It is believed the property managers know a store is moving in but they have not yet confirmed to the press which.

Northampton Chron readers have also had their say on the matter.

James Smith said he heard rumours that Wilkinson is moving in, which this newspaper followed up and received a response about. A Wilkinson spokeswoman said: “We love meeting our loyal customers in Northampton and have no current plans to move from our existing store.”

Paul Andrew said he wanted a "massive" Nando's for the area.

Gary Brown believes a simpler approach might reveal who is moving in. He said: "Just get the plastic off the sign and end the suspense."

And Fiona Jackson said she would "love a huge Asda" nearby.

The large site had been redundant for more than a year after Homebase closed in early 2019 and Argos moved into the nearby Sainsbury's in 2018.