Pictured above: Building work is underway, Paul Neal (left), Lagan Homes site manager, and Bob Wilson, of R. Wilson Contractors, on site at Pearce Leather Works

Long-awaited redevelopment of the former Pearce Leather Works in Northampton is finally underway.

Following a positive response from local planners and gaining planning permission for 120 new homes, work has begun on the construction by Lagan Homes of properties in the factory grounds and it is creating work for bricklayers employed by a long-established local firm. 

The homes being built will be in a mix of 'Arts & Crafts' influenced designs and also some 'Art Deco' style houses to reflect the striking architecture of the original Grade II listed Pearce Leather Works.  

The stunning front of the empty factory and office building will be retained and has planning permission to be converted for future use. 

Paul Neal, site manager for Lagan Homes, said: "We've started work on the first phase of 18 homes and currently are employing between 15 and 20 people on site every day. We expect this to triple as the site really gets going."

Opened in 1939, the Pearce Leather Works building in Wellingborough Road, Billing, was the headquarters of W. Pearce Co. First established in 1908, the company dyed leather for shoes, handbags and watch straps and exported goods all over the world. The factory closed almost 10 years ago amid growing competition from overseas and has stood empty ever since.

With infrastructure and foundation slabs now installed, Lagan has begun working on the 'superstructure' of the homes. This has called for the bricklaying skills of Northampton based company R. Wilson Contractors, who've been in the town for 35 years and currently employ around 80 people.

Owner Bob Wilson says: "We're delighted to be working with Lagan Homes on such a high profile project. This site has been empty for a few years now so it's good to see work starting. The first few homes we're building are in the Arts and Crafts style, but we're looking forward to the challenge of helping to create some of the more unusual Art Deco properties later in the development."

The two companies have worked together previously on developments in Corby and Buckingham.

Lagan Homes has chosen to feature both Arts & Crafts and Art Deco designs within its new housing scheme, as both architectural styles were prevalent in domestic housing from the turn of the century and in the 1930s when the Pearce Leather Works factory opened. 

The new housing development, off Fishponds Road, will launch officially in May this year with the opening of the sales centre, show home and view home. These are also being designed by a Northampton company, Fiona Nix Interiors.