An empty building in Northampton town centre has cost taxpayers more than £196,000 since West Northamptonshire Council was created, according to a freedom of information request by this newspaper.

Figures released to Chronicle and Echo by West Northamptonshire Council show £196,263 has been spent on number five Spencer Parade between the 2021/22 and 2026/27 financial years.

The biggest cost was rent, with the council paying almost £125,000 in lease payments. Other spending included council tax, electricity, professional fees and building maintenance.

The annual costs were:

Five Spencer Parade near St Giles Street is being rented out by WNC but remains boarded up and empty

placeholder image — Five Spencer Parade near St Giles Street is being rented out by WNC but remains boarded up and empty

- 2021/22: £42,555

- 2022/23: £28,062

- 2023/24: £24,315

- 2024/25: £45,170

- 2025/26: £55,225

- 2026/27: £936 so far

The building has stood empty for several years and has reportedly been occupied by squatters in the past. Google Street View images appear to show it becoming vacant around 2021 before being boarded up by 2024.

However, the council said it holds no records relating to squatters. In the FOI response, WNC said: "Action taken regarding the eviction of squatters from the property was not undertaken by West Northamptonshire Council, therefore no information is held to respond to this part of your request."

The documents released with the FOI show the council has been leasing the property from private landlord Stephen George Harris. Since 2021, almost £125,000 has been spent on rent alone despite the building standing empty for much of that time.

The council refused to release recent correspondence with Mr Harris or any property valuations. It said the information is "commercially sensitive" and releasing it "may prejudice current discussions."

While there are no approved plans to buy the building, the council said purchasing the freehold is "something that it may consider in the future." Any decision would need Cabinet approval.

West Northamptonshire Council was created in 2021, replacing Northampton Borough Council and the former district councils. Reform UK took control of the authority following the local elections in May 2025, replacing the Conservative administration.

West Northamptonshire Council was contacted for further comment on Thursday July 5.