Tower Boot factory transformed to provide 31 new homes

Alisted building and home to a former boot factory has been dramatically transformed to provide 31 new homes.  A celebration to mark their completion was held on 16^th June for Spire Homes and guests. The site is located on Wellingborough Road in Finedon and the properties play a large role in maintaining Finedon’s heritage and history.

Ann Goddard, a former worker at Arthur Nutt’s also came along on the day. Two generations of her family worked at the factory - herself, her mother and father. Ann’s father, Wilfred Ford worked at the factory just after the 1^st World War in the 1920’s, and her mother started in her late 20’s. They met at the factory, romance blossomed and they got married in 1934. Ann worked at Arthur Nutt’s with her mother and father when she was just 15 years old until she was 21 years old, when she got married and decided to start a family. She later came back to the factory part time when her children were older. Ann said, “My father would be so pleased to see the old factory turned in to new homes - he would have loved it. If it had gone to rack and ruin, he’d have been devastated”.

Working closely with the Council’s conservation officer and contractor Westleigh, Spire Homes and the Longhurst Group development team ensured the original features were kept such as the aluminium windows, and timber frames have been used in keeping with the surrounding area. The homes have air source heat pumps for their heating and hot water, which will keep fuel costs and carbon emissions low.

The Mayor of the Borough of Wellingborough, Councillor Lora Lawman said, “The Tower Boot Factory site was transformed by Spire Homes from a disused and boarded up factory through excellent partnership work between various stakeholders, including the Borough Council of Wellingborough. I was particularly pleased that the homes have air source heat pumps for their heating and hot water, which will keep fuel costs and carbon emissions low and meets the Borough Council of Wellingborough's own Climate Change aspirations. It was also pleasing to hear that local companies were employed for various jobs during the construction phases. I hope the units are sold and rented quickly, to provide homes to many and wish all future residents much happiness in their new homes.”

John Farrar, Chairman for Spire Homes, said“This fantastic development highlights Spire’s commitment to providing high quality, affordable homes. The building has real character and everyone has done a brilliant job in maintaining a local heritage.”

Ian Jackson, Director of Development said, “We have worked very closely with the Council to maintain the look and feel of the old boot factory, and the finished result is great. Keeping the original features has helped the building fit in with the surrounding area, and recycling 95% of construction waste has helped both Spire and Longhurst Group remain environmentally focused”

The scheme was supported with a £1.6m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) – the national housing and regeneration agency. Margaret Allen, regional director for the HCA East Midlands, said: “We are pleased to see the development complete, which is providing high quality affordable homes to meet the needs of local people, as well as making excellent use of a disused former industrial building.”