Opening date revealed for brand new Wickes at busy retail park in Northampton

Plans were unveiled earlier this year to open a Wickes store at the former Homebase unit in Riverside Retail Park.

Owners of the building, Riverside Retail Limited, have split the former Homebase building into two more modern retail spaces.

A Riverside Retail Limited spokesman said: “The alterations proposed will greatly improve this area of the retail park, transforming a blank part of the terrace with active frontages and new entrances. The works will help to improve the choice and experience for visitors to the park.”

Wickes is currently fitting out one of the new units, which will have a mezzanine and outdoor garden centre.

The home improvements retailer has revealed that the store is opening on Friday, December 5.

The retailer sells a wide range of home improvement products, including building materials, timber, tools, paint, kitchens, bathrooms, and garden supplies.

While the official opening times have not yet been revealed, Wickes’ Sixfields store is currently open Monday to Friday from 7am to 8pm, Saturday 7am to 7pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Homebase, which had been open for 30 years, closed in September 2024 after the national company entered administration.

In regards to the other remaining unit, Riverside Retail Limited submitted plans in June 2024 to allow M&S to open it as a foodhall; those plans are still waiting on a decision following multiple concerns with increased traffic. If given the green light, the store will create 70 jobs.

Will Smith, M&S’ property director, previously said: “This site in Northampton would make a fantastic location for an M&S Foodhall, creating 70 jobs. The show-stopping store would be one of the most modern in the UK, offering local shoppers a fresh market-style Foodhall with an in-store bakery, flower shop, wine shop, card and wrap shop, M&S’s signature cheese bar, click & collect facilities, and interactive features.”