Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre is more than just a retail park—it’s a leisure destination that seamlessly blends shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Located in the heart of Northamptonshire and owned by the Crown Estate, this unique place offers a fantastic selection of big-name brands, local independents, and high street favourites, making it Northamptonshire’s premier shopping destination.
A Shopper’s Paradise
Rushden Lakes is home to plenty of shops, from fashion-forward outlets to home essentials. Shoppers can explore big brand fashion at JD Sports, River Island, Fat Face, New Look, White Stuff, Robert Goddard, and even department stores like M&S Rushden Lakes. The shopping experience here rivals that of Bicester Village and Fosse Park, offering a fantastic selection of big-name brands.
More Than Just Retail
Beyond shopping, the leisure complex boasts a variety of leisure activities, making it a perfect spot for the whole family. The cinema complex, featuring a 14-screen cinema, provides entertainment for movie lovers, while indoor climbing, soft play, and the new swimming pool cater to visitors of all ages.
Dining options
Dining options include popular restaurants such as Zizzi Italian, TGI Fridays, Nando’s, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Preta Manger, Wildwood, and Bills to name just a few plus several other lakeside Dog-friendly dining experiences with ice cream and other treats.
A Natural Escape
Rushden Lakes is surrounded by natural surroundings, offering an immersive world of outdoor discovery. The site of special scientific interest is managed by the Wildlife Trust and forms part of the Heart of the Nene Valley Living Landscape. The Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre provides insights into the local wildlife, with access to walking trails, cycle routes, and even local canoe activities. Visitors can explore Nene Park and enjoy fresh air while strolling along the step-free footbridge, which connects to other scenic spots.
Rushden Lakes Early History
Skew Bridge Ski Club
Prior to its development into a shopping centre, the area now known as Rushden Lakes was home to the Skew Bridge Ski Club. This facility featured a dry ski slope and served as a local hub for skiing enthusiasts. Over time, the ski club ceased operations, and the site became derelict, remaining unused for several years.
Development into Rushden Lakes
In 2011, LXB Retail Properties purchased the land for £4.5 million, envisioning a transformative project that would revitalize the area. After a series of planning applications and community consultations, the development received approval. Construction commenced, leading to the opening of the first phase of Rushden Lakes in July 2017.
Features and Expansion
Rushden Lakes seamlessly integrates retail, dining, and leisure facilities with natural surroundings. The complex boasts over 50 retail brands, including major department stores and fashion outlets. Dining options range from casual eateries to lakeside restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines. In 2019, a 14-screen Cineworld cinema was added, further enhancing the leisure offerings.
Conservation
Beyond commerce, Rushden Lakes emphasizes environmental conservation. The site includes 214 acres of lakes and wetlands, providing habitats for diverse wildlife. Visitors can engage in outdoor activities such as canoeing, peddlelows,, and nature walks, blending recreation with nature appreciation.
Community Engagement and Heritage
The development of Rushden Lakes has fostered community initiatives that celebrate local heritage. Projects like “Out to Water, Into History” connect Rushden’s rich history with its natural landscapes, offering green routes that link the town to the River Nene and the shopping complex. Features such as signposting, interpretation boards, and art installations along these routes encourage exploration and appreciation of the area’s past and present.
Today, Rushden Lakes stands as a testament to adaptive reuse and thoughtful development, transforming a once-neglected site into a vibrant destination that honours both commerce and conservation.
Community and Accessibility
Rushden Lakes takes pride in its commitment to the local community and sustainable practices. Local residents benefit from easy access to the shopping centre, which offers free parking and customer services to enhance the shopping experience. Events such as the Unofficial AFC Rushden gatherings at the Peter de Banke Terrace and local towns like Higham Ferrers contribute to a lively social scene.
Future Developments
Rushden Lakes continues to evolve with several proposed developments aimed at enhancing its retail and leisure offerings. Here is an overview of the anticipated projects:
Rushden Gateway Development
A significant proposal is the Rushden Gateway project, planned for a 28-acre site opposite Rushden Lakes, adjacent to Northampton Road. The development aims to introduce:
- An Aldi supermarket
- Electric Vehicle (EV) charging facilities
- Additional retail spaces
- A drive-thru food outlet
- Parking facilities
Ashfield Land, the property developer behind the project, acquired the site in January 2016 and estimates that the development could create approximately 640 new full-time equivalent jobs. However, the proposal has faced objections from local residents and officials, primarily due to concerns about increased traffic congestion and environmental impacts.
Infrastructure Enhancements
To support the anticipated growth and improve accessibility, infrastructure enhancements are under consideration. These include the construction of a link road associated with proposed future developments to the west of Rushden Lakes. The aim is to alleviate traffic congestion and provide better connectivity to the area.
Environmental and Community Initiatives
Given Rushden Lakes’ unique position adjacent to over 80 acres of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) wetlands, future developments emphasize environmental conservation and community engagement. Collaborations with organizations like The Wildlife Trust aim to maintain the ecological integrity of the area while enhancing recreational opportunities for visitors.
These developments reflect a commitment to balancing commercial growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being, ensuring that Rushden Lakes remains a vibrant and sustainable destination. With future phases planned, visitors can also expect to see additions like play equipment and other best practice initiatives to enhance the overall experience.
Plan Your Visit
Rushden Lakes is conveniently located in close proximity to Rushden Town Centre and is easily accessible by road and public transport. Full details on ticket prices, store directories, and upcoming events are available online and through social media updates. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a little bit of retail therapy, there’s always something new to explore.
Conclusion
For those looking to experience shopping, nature, and leisure all in one place, Rushden Lakes stands as a prime example of how a shopping park can be transformed into an all-encompassing leisure destination.