KET1 Key Buildings

Policy Intent

The KNP Identifies key buildings, which are either vacant or in need in refurbishment which are both significant and influential features in the Town Centre, due to their prominent size and/or location

The policy idea seeks to create principles for developing each of these locations and the appropriate land use mix for each.

1. Former Magistrates Court and Police Station. Site currently vacant with pre-application discussions on-going to bring forward the site. Suitable for a predominantly residential, mixed use development including community facilities such as a location for Town Council premises and given its location near the bus interchange, public toilets or an active travel hub. Design similar to the adjacent Rectory Gardens would be considered appropriate or a flatted scheme to maximise efficient use of land but with the preservation of the older buildings in the northern part of the site and a design which respects this.  Due to its highly accessible location, the policy could take a view on a lower parking standard or consider how the redevelopment of the site could enhance the adjacent public realm, connect to local green spaces as well as responding to its location within the conservation area in its design and layout.
2. Former M & S. To be retained in retail uses but NP would support the subdivision of the building to allow for smaller units or for use as an indoor “market hall” style arrangement. . The building is divided into three – a retail frontage of about 7500 sq. ft. a back and upper floor area of 13000 sq. ft. and a basement for which it is understood that a lease is about to be signed with the snooker club. The back and upper floor are being marketed for non-retail use, for which change of use would be required.
3. Former Gala Bingo.  A planning application has recently been submitted for the site as a mixture of residential and commercial.
4. Kettering Manor House (Museum) currently closed. Owned by NNC. The Plan will advocate for the site to be retained for the museum and community use.
5. The Royal Hotel. – Grade II listed Victorian building on a large site within the town centre.(43 bedroom) Currently closed and for sale. Site expected to be sold by September. Planning consent given for refurbishment as an hotel and events venue. Most recent application NK/2025/0203 for renovation of the ballroom. Located next to the Restaurant Quarter. The stable block requires significant structural intervention (planning permission had previously been granted for the demolition of these outbuildings, has since lapsed.) If the new owner cannot retain the site as an hotel and events venue, the AP would like to consider alternative uses such as a  “We Work” style, flexible office space.
6. Westbury House – Site currently on the market. Most recently in use as offices but may suit conversion to residential. The AP have noted the Lamb and Holmes offices in West St might also be for sale. It was felt that community, cultural or business use of these premises and land was preferred.
7. Drovers Hall – Owned by NNC. Victorian building, with local heritage interest could form part of a wider proposal for town centre community/leisure/parking facilities along with site 8 – Kettering Swimming Pool. Proposals would need to retain the attractive façade that wraps around the corner of Bowling Green Road and London Road.
8. Kettering Swimming Pool – Owned by NNC, the single storey swimming pool facility considered to be end of life. The policy could look to support a replacement/upgraded facility on the same site or adjacent to support the retention of this highly valued community leisure facility in the town centre, potentially as part of a wider redevelopment of the site together with Drovers Hall and the surrounding car park.

This sites 4, 7 and 8 could potentially come forward with a comprehensive masterplan to ensure that all the required public uses including parking, open space, cultural facilities are included.