During the course of the past year East Northants has seen several major facilities open and with them new job creation. This looks set to continue into 2012 as development proposals come to the fore reports commercial property agent Prop-Search.

Earlier this year Rushden was greeted with the news that 70 jobs would be created as two new warehouses at Rushden Link, speculatively developed by Prupim in 2007 were to be let. The units, comprising some 240,000 sq ft have now been taken on new 10 year leases by the US fashion retailer Urban Outfitters. It is understood that the staggered opening of these facilities will create a host of new positions in warehousing and office work, with the prospect of the number of jobs being created doubling over the coming years.

Up to 1,500 new jobs could be created at a new distribution park development. Specialist employment land developer Roxhill Warth is currently in talks with East Northamptonshire Council regarding a planning application to create a mixed use business development to extend the existing Warth Park scheme at Raunds. The 80 acre greenfield site will provide an extension to the established Park where existing occupiers include Avery Dennison, Indesit, Robert Wiseman Dairies and Gen Distribution Limited. The proposed distribution element of 70 acres is envisaged to comprise three plots to accommodate buildings from 150,000 sq ft to 350,000 sq ft. Ten acres have also been allocated for uses including hotel, health and fitness, family pub/restaurant and smaller scale industrial and commercial units.

The former Skew Bridge complex, spanning some 244 acres has just been bought by LXB Retail Properties for £4.5 million. Subject to securing planning, the site could host an office scheme, retailing with a garden centre and a hotel - creating up to 350 jobs.  The new owners are currently in discussions with East Northamptonshire Council to bring forward the retail element expected to be in the region of 250,000 sq ft.

In early 2011 improvements to Rushden High Street began with the regeneration of the 'Southern Gateway'. The final stage of the improvement works aimed at making the town a far more accessible, safe and attractive hub for community life have now commenced and will include simplifying parking and loading arrangements, and reducing street clutter. The money for the project to enhance the economic viability of Rushden included an award of just over £730,000 of Government Growth Funding.  

As part of the ongoing improvements being implemented in the town centre, existing Rushden traders are also being encouraged to apply for small grants for improvements to shop fronts. 

Seven new retailers have also recently moved into the town. Tesco Express, Arabica Coffee House and more recently Tres Oak Furniture have all acquired space within the former Peter Crisps department store. Opposite, in part of the Wills store The Bag & Gift Company has opened. Sassy Belle has opened its doors in the former Seabrook unit, situated between The Feathers Public House and Coley Thomson Estate Agents. The retailer sells a wide range of goods from prom dresses, to handmade jewellery and ladies shoes. Following the relocation of Taskforce Recruitment within the town, its former premises at 92-94 High Street have now been occupied by Global Property Agents, specialising in holiday homes abroad.

June saw the opening of the extended and converted Railway Inn at 143 High Street, one of the newest public houses in the award winning JD Wetherspoon chain. The company has earned a reputation for converting a wide range of buildings into pubs with an average of £1.4 million spent on each conversion and choosing names either from the building's history, local figures or the surrounding area. This new site has also led to in excess of 40 new employment opportunities.

On Wellingborough Road in Rushden, the former Oakley Arms public house has just opened as Pettifers Pet Shop, with the long established business having relocated from premises nearby. The pub has been extensively converted and retails a wide range of pet supplies. It also sells small animals and birds, and offers on-site boarding of the same. An established veterinary practice is also shortly to be operational within the building providing vaccinations and practical advice seven days a week.

The devastating news that the DIY chain Focus had collapsed bought fear that the store on Crown Park would become vacant.  However, administrator Ernst & Young has revealed that Rushden is one of the locations being bought by Travis Perkins for its Wickes subsidiary. It is hoped that Wickes will commence trading by the end of the year.

In excess of 100 new jobs could be created in Thrapston if the town's 140 year old livestock market is replaced by a new 20,000 sq ft supermarket.  The owners of the market have unveiled plans to relocate to purpose-built facilities on the edge of the town and Sainsbury's have announced that they would be interested in building a store on the site off Market Road.  

A further food store is also being proposed in Bridge Street currently occupied by Scotts of Thrapston and Buildbase, which are looking to relocates elsewhere in the town. As yet no planning applications have been submitted on either site.

For further information about prop-search, please visit their website here: www.prop-search.com