'Full investigation' will look into Rushden Lakes storm damage

An investigation will take place to look at how a state-of-the-art building at Rushden Lakes suffered such damage during a storm that it is closed until further notice.

The L-shaped leisure terrace at the far end of the retail park, where the flagship cinema has only been open for eight months, suffered external cladding damage during Storm Ciara yesterday (Sunday).

Gale force winds caused it to be evacuated at about 1pm and an exclusion zone was set up.

It's still not known when it will fully re-open.

Donna French, centre manager at Rushden Lakes, said: “This weekend the effects of Storm Ciara were felt across Northamptonshire and at Rushden Lakes the extreme weather conditions caused damage to the exterior of the leisure terrace.

"With the support of the fire service we closed the building and established an exclusion zone. The leisure terrace will remain closed until the weather has completely subsided and a further inspection has taken place.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety of the public and our staff is of paramount importance.

"As with any health and safety incident that occurs at Rushden Lakes we will undertake a full investigation.”

This morning Rushden Lakes said all stores from Greggs down remain closed until further notice.

Stores from Greggs down are:

- Greggs

- Blue Mountain Yard

- Five Guys

- Nando's

- Zizzi

- Hopmaster

- TGI Fridays

- Heavenly Desserts

- Starbucks

- Cineworld

- Rock Up

- 360 Play

- Flip Out

- Paradise Island Adventure Golf

All other stores are open.

Nando's Rushden Lakes has already confirmed that they will be closed today and tomorrow.