Plans have been submitted for the next stage of a £70 million development of former department stores in Northampton town centre – new construction start date revealed.

Demolition of the former M&S and BHS site on Abington Street was completed in June 2026 at a cost of £2.3 million. The site has remained quiet since – so what happens next?

Developer Capital&Centric has confirmed it has submitted a planning application for the site, which is awaiting validation by West Northamptonshire Council.

The developer said: “We have submitted planning and we anticipate it will be validated shortly.

An exclusive computer generated image shows what the site could look like once completed. This is looking at the development from Wellington Street.

placeholder image — An exclusive computer generated image shows what the site could look like once completed. This is looking at the development from Wellington Street.

“The next stage of design will begin in the New Year, when the team develops the technical designs that will guide construction, working through everything from the buildings’ structure and materials to the finer details.

“Discussions with potential building contractors are already underway, with the intention of developing these designs alongside the chosen contractor. Construction is expected to start in autumn 2027.”

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, added: “We love what’s happening in Northampton and we want to do a lot more here. The town has the character and the people to make something properly special.

“There’s a huge amount of work that goes into getting a project ready to build, even before you see anyone on site. We’re taking the time to get every detail right. We’re not here to build something that’s just okay. We want it to be brilliant.”

Here's another look at what the site could look like once complete

The ‘Albert’s Yard’ scheme would transform the site into a new neighbourhood with at least 250 homes, private landscaped gardens and terraces, a residents’ gym, a mini cinema and co-working spaces, according to the developers.

Ground-floor units are planned for independent businesses, including cafés, bars and restaurants. The proposals also include new planting, green spaces extending towards the high street and courtyards inspired by the site’s heritage, incorporating public and private spaces.

West Northamptonshire Council lists the project’s expected opening date as summer 2032. Construction was slated to begin in summer 2027.

On its website, Capital&Centric described the development as a chance to give Northampton town centre “a proper reset”.

Here's what the site currently looks like

It said: “Northampton town centre is in line for a major glow-up, with the long-vacant former M&S building set to be reimagined as a brand-new neighbourhood.

“Working alongside West Northamptonshire Council, we’re planning to breathe new life into this stretch of the high street. Bringing forward new homes, lush green spaces, and a line-up of independent cafés, bars and restaurants to create a proper buzzing destination.

“Altogether, the vision is for a vibrant, walkable community. Somewhere you can grab a coffee, bump into your mates and spend time, whether you live here or you’re just passing through.

“Bringing new residents, businesses and visitors into this part of the town centre will boost the local economy and help create a vibrant, diverse new heart for Northampton. This is about taking a tired part of town and making it somewhere that buzzes with life again.”

The former Northampton Borough Council bought the vacant M&S building in 2020 for £1.45 million. The wider site, including the former BHS building, formed part of a £9.7 million regeneration funding package secured from central government.

A council spokesman previously said: “Transforming these former department stores into a welcoming, outward-looking neighbourhood is a major opportunity to strengthen our town centre, support local businesses and create new places for people to live, meet and relax.”

The former BHS building closed in 2016, while M&S left the town in 2018.