The Wellingborough News, 30th May, 1902, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Tenders - To Builders
THE Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society invite TENDERS for the Erection of NEW PREMISES for Drapery, Furnishing, and Outfitting Departments, and CO-OPERATIVE HALL in the High-street, Rushden.

Persons desirous of Tendering will please send in their names to the undersigned not later than Thursday, 5th of June, 1902.

COOPER & WILLIAMS,
Architects,
Rushden and Kettering.
May 19th, 1902

New Co-operative Store for Rushden
  On Monday evening a meeting of members of the Rushden Co-operative Society was held in the Independent Wesleyan Schoolroom, Queen-street, for the purpose of considering the scheme for the erection of new premises in the High-street.  Mr. Hornsby presided over a fair attendance of members, and considerable interest was manifested in the proceedings.  After the chairman had reviewed the steps leading up to the preparation of the new scheme, Mr. Cooper, of Messrs. Cooper and Williams, Kettering produced and explained the plans of the proposed buildings.  Several questions were asked and satisfactorily answered, and ultimately the meeting unanimously approved of the whole scheme. 

  The plans provided for the erection of business premises suitable for drapery in all its branches, gents’ outfitting department, millinery, furnishing, and crockery departments, etc., with a large Co-operative Hall running over the whole, capable of seating 700 or 800 people.  The site is in the centre of the High-street, the premises formerly upon it having been destroyed by the great fire of last year, and contains an area of 418 square yards.  Suitable entrances and warehouses for goods are to be provided in Rectory-lane, and the whole is expected to be a substantial and well-fitted block of business premises.  The frontage to High-street is to be of red brick, with stone facings.

  The following tenders were received and submitted :-