Derelict Northampton sports bar saga rumbles on as site listed for nearly £1 million with new development plans submitted

The former Northampton Sports Bar, formerly Riley’s, in Gold Street has been sat vacant since it closed down in 2020 due to effects brought on by the pandemic.

Proposals to build 14 flats above the site were submitted to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in August 2022.

According to the applicant, the building had become occupied by squatters and has been a location for anti-social behaviour

The application also brought on the wrath of neighbouring nightclub owners at Elysium and Escape. A spokesman for Elysium and Escape said the application wrongly labels their venues as ‘short-term noise events’ and threatens their businesses with inadequate noise control measures.

In 2023, the plans were rejected by WNC on the grounds that the proposed mansard roof was ‘non-traditional’ for the All Saints conservation area and due to issues regarding noise.

However, in December 2023, the applicant, Spearhead Holdings, came back with a fresh application to part demolish and adaptation of existing first floor and addition of two further floors for 14 flats and keep the ground floor and basement for retail use.

A decision was supposed to be made by WNC in July but that has not yet happened.

Northampton Town Council has objected to the latest plans saying: “The committee are keen to see this building developed, however, they believe that this is not the right type of development. This property will back onto late night music venues and we are keen to see these retained as part of the town's late nigh economy offering. To put these flats in to close proximity of the venues will be detrimental both to the potential residents and harm the venues. Accordingly we would ask that alternative options for this site are considered.”

The applicant’s latest noise report claims that any potential noise issues can be managed effectively and recommends granting planning permission for the development.

The site is currently up for sale on Rightmove for £800k. The sales advert reads: “Prime development opportunity in Northampton, an area known for its robust housing market and strategic location. Project potentially involves part demolition and adaptation of existing first floor and addition of two further floors for 14 flat. “Northampton has seen consistent growth in housing demand due to its excellent transport links to London and Birmingham, vibrant local economy, and high quality of life. The city is undergoing significant regeneration, making it an attractive spot for residential developments. This development is a rare opportunity to capitalise on the flourishing Northampton housing market and contribute to the city's dynamic growth.”

One-bedroom flats in Northampton town centre typically rent for around £900 per calendar month. If all 14 proposed flats were rented out at this rate, the landlord could potentially earn approximately £151,200 per year in rental income.