Mystery surrounds future of massive unit in major Northampton shopping centre as builders move in for refurbishment

A massive unit in a busy Northampton shopping centre appears to be in the process of a refurbishment – but a mystery still surrounds its future use.

The former New Look site in Grosvenor Centre has been vacant since it closed down in February 2023 after more than a decade of trading in the town.

However, exactly one year on, builders have been spotted working inside the unit… but it is not yet known what they are up to.

It is believed various rumours of big name brands are spreading through the town, although nothing has yet been confirmed.

Responding to the rumours, Grosvenor Centre owners Evolve Estates said: “As active landlords with strong asset management regimes, we’re happy to say that we have strong working relationships with a number of local and national occupiers. Unfortunately, regarding the old New Look unit at the Grosvenor centre, we cannot comment at this time.”

Here’s what we know so far…

In January, Evolve Estates revealed it was in talks with two potential new tenants to fill “larger voids” at the site. They also said work had just started on their MicroShops development.

The larger empty units in the Grosvenor Centre are the former New Look and the former Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Whoever does move into the site will benefit from the major changes surrounding the area around The Grosvenor Centre, which is set to be transformed in the coming years.

The Market Square is currently undergoing a major £10 million refurbishment, STACK Leisure Centre has plans to move into the former Market Walk shopping centre, and Abington Street and Fish Street are set for a major makeover too.

The shopping centre was snapped up at the end of January 2023 by Evolve Estates from previous owners Legal and General for an undisclosed sum.

Since Evolve took over, four new tenants have opened at the site which include Shoezone, Ann Summers, Tony Jones Florists and the Lewis Foundation. Additionally, Michael Jones Jewellery and Tokky Pizza has increased its store space at the site.

.