In October 2012, East Northamptonshire District Council unanimously resolved to grant planning permission at Rushden Lakes for 465,000 sq ft of mixed use retail and leisure. The Secretary of State will now decide whether a Government planning inspector should have the final decision.

The high quality and sensitive landscape treatment developed by Ubu for the retail area, adjacent lake and SSSI woodland was a significant factor in the successful application. The combined retail and leisure destination will include retail terraces, a visitors’ centre, a marina and boathouse, footpaths and cycle routes through the SSSI, and access into neighbouring tourist attractions such as Stanwick Lakes.

It is estimated that the combined leisure, tourism and retail offering will create 2000 jobs and attract over 3 million visitors annually.