SNN109109 - Archaeological Building Recording at 23 Regent Street, Northampton June 2013

Northamptonshire Archaeology was commissioned to undertake archaeological building recording at a former boot and shoe factory, 23 Regent Street, ahead of renovation and conversion of the property for housing. This assessment included a photographic survey as well as measured annotations to existing architects plans and elevations. Evidence for structural alterations and changes in the fabric were recorded in order to determine a sequence of historic development. Originally constructed as a boot and shoe factory in the mid 19th century, it later produced leather until the 1970s. The property was later used as a factory producing signage, canopies, blinds and awnings. A fire in the late 20th century caused significant damage to the interior of the structures, resulting in the site being abandoned and lying derelict until 2013, when plans to convert the buildings to residentiral use were approved. Despite the damage caused by the fire, some remnants of former machinery such as a drive shaft and a service lift remained in situ.