Full of character	View down Midland Road

Stanley Hunt the Printers closed its doors for business at Christmas 2015, the yard was locked up, and the company vans were now idle forever.

As the end of autumn 2017 was upon us, a sign appeared to announce that Wilby Estates were about to develop the former Hunt's the printers site.

Prior to Stanley Hunt being there from the early 1970s, it was the local home of the "British United" shoe machinery company. The BU - The company's main factory was in Belgrave Road, Leicester, and by the turn of the 20th century they had numerous branches in London, Norwich, Bristol, Kettering, Northampton, Stafford, Glasgow, and even up in Leeds. The size of the operation was very extensive to serve the needs of the many shoe related premises in and around Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

Previously this area was a manufacturing part of Rushden, and we had shoe factories of Jaques and Clark, with their distinctive tower that dominated the corner of Midland Road and Station Road. Although I think there is strong likeness in the design of the flats that now stand on the former site.

Another blast from the past in this area was Bignells who were also making shoes, and they also had factories up Crabb Street and York Road. Not forgetting safety footwear pioneers  Wilkins and Denton who had previously occupied the Bignell's building. They went on to trade globally as "Totectors" and they also occupied several sites in the town, employing about 400 workers. "Totectors" also had several very busy "closing rooms" in Wymington, Kettering and Oundle, for many years. They were one of the larger employers in town until their final move to Crown Way, near to Waitrose. That was to be a decimating move for the firm, as they were then taken over by "UK Safety" from Bristol, who closed down a once proud and respectable firm c2000. That site went from manufacturing shoes, to now being the home of Morrision's vegetable preparation and packing facility.

Roof working going on	Midland Road

By mid September 2018 the work was pushing along in Midland Road, with several blocks now taking shape and looking like dwellings.

The winter was pretty kind, with just one day of snow here in Rushden, and not amounting to much to be concerned about. So the work was not hindered by too much bad weather, the kind that we used to be blessed with in years gone by maybe?

Nearing the final hurdle, and moving into the New Year of 2019, the "for sale" signs of Charles Orlebar were on display. We can see from our shots that the work was coming along with various trades making the final push for completion in Spring 2019.

The standard of finish is very impressive, and the attention to detail is very evident, even down to the oak supports in the carport area costing over £100 each.

By the summer of 2019, the first residents were enjoying the new surroundings at Stanley Hunt Court, and it's all looking rather nice.

Parking spaces	Blend of homes

Demolition and former development of the site

Additional Housing