Home furnishings retailer Dunelm, alongside other retail units, could see its store in Northampton rebuilt following a fire earlier this year.

Back in May, emergency services were called to the Dunelm store on Nene Valley Retail Park, off Towcester Road, after a fire broke out.

Fire crews from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, alongside crews from Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire fire services.

The fire destroyed the Dunelm store and severely damaged neighbouring units, including B&M and Tapi Carpets, as well as Dream whichs had previously hoped to reopen by the end of 2025.

Now, a planning application has been submitted to West Northamptonshire Council with the intention to demolish and rebuild the units.

The plans, submitted by RI BQ Stockport Limited, said that demolition and rebuild was “necessary to enable the tenants to re-commence trading”, adding that “it is not possible to determine the full extent of structural damage that has occurred as a result of the fire”.

The plans outlined it would reinstate the services and floor space of 102,547 sqft on a “like for like” basis, adding that “all external façades will be fully refurbished, enhancing the building’s appearance and contributing positively to the character of the surrounding area”.

A decision on the application is expected by the end of January 2026.

As for the fire, Northamptonshire Police previously said that it believed the fire had been started deliberately inside the store and subsequently arrested a number of suspects on suspicion of arson.

A 15-year-old boy, who previously pleaded not guilty to committing arson with recklessness, will face a trial at Wellingborough Magistrates’ Court in February 2026.