Corby town centre £300,000 investment comes ahead of big announcements on new traders

Announcements on the future of the former Burton, Dorothy Perkins and Evans units in Corby are imminent after a huge lockdown investment was made in Corby town centre.

Owners Sovereign Centros ploughed £300,000 into Corby town centre during lockdown, which included a £170,000 Government 'accelerator' Covid grant.

They have used it to update the town's market stalls with new awnings and lighting and have begun the development of an exciting public space at the end of Market Walk, about which more details will be released in the coming weeks.

Speaking to the Northants Telegraph, town centre manager Dan Pickard said: "We've signed contracts for all three of the former Arcadia units. I can't say much more about who they are yet but it's going to be something a little bit different.

"Sports Direct were due to open in the TJ Hughes building last year but they have been incredibly busy rebranding all their House of Fraser stores so it's been delayed but It's still very much happening.

"The market looks fantastic. We wanted to make it easier for people just starting out to be able to rent a nice-looking space cheaply."

There has been lots of local discussion online about the new decked area at the bottom of Market Walk close to the car park lift, which Dan says is nearing completion. The space has some of the very best views of Corby on offer.

"I can't really give many more details at the moment but it's an exciting project for us," said Dan.

"That area has been hoarded for a long time and we just wanted to do something to make it more useable. People are spending more time outdoors whatever the weather, so we know our outdoor spaces in the town centre are going to be key to our continued success."

Corby town centre has held up well amid a climate of declining high streets and the rise of online shopping. The majority of its units remain let and footfall has held up, even during lockdown.

But Robert Goddard in Willow Place is one of those businesses that has decided to close its Corby shop.

"It's a shame, but they're looking at their whole business and having to make some decisions around that," said Dan.

"We've had Dixie Chicken and the Cake Box open recently which are both doing well and Posh Paddy's new outdoor area has been a great success.

"The food there is incredible and the atmosphere is great. Covid has changed the way people eat out and they're more than willing to sit with a blanket outside under a roof covering.

"Footfall in Corby is following the national benchmark really. People are still sticking to local shops which is good for us. We have some really great independent traders here who have received so much support from Corby people during lockdown"