Pegasus Court Leisure Park in Kettering, once a familiar destination for moviegoers and pub patrons, is undergoing a significant transformation. Following the recent closure of the Odeon Cinema and the Hungry Horse pub, the site is set to be repurposed as an industrial open storage (IOS) facility. This redevelopment, driven by the UK property investment and development company Augur Group, signals a striking shift in the local landscape, one that mirrors broader trends in commercial real estate across the region.
According to TheBusinessDesk, planning permission for the redevelopment was granted in September 2025, clearing the way for construction work to commence. The five-acre site, strategically situated next to Junction 9 of the A14 and adjacent to the bustling Symmetry Park logistics scheme, was acquired by Augur Group in early 2024. The property originally featured two vacant restaurant units, the Odeon cinema, the Hobsons Choice pub, and a standalone KFC drive-thru, all operating on expired leases. Over time, as businesses departed and leases lapsed, the site became largely unoccupied, setting the stage for a dramatic reinvention.
Simon Mann, chief executive of Augur Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s potential to breathe new life into the area. In a statement shared with Property Week, Mann said, “We’re pleased to have received planning consent from North Northamptonshire Council for the redevelopment of Pegasus Court Leisure Park. This marks an important step in revitalising the site to better serve the needs of the local community.”
The redevelopment is more than just a facelift. It represents a fundamental change in the site’s purpose, moving away from leisure and roadside retail to a focus on industrial open storage. The scheme is designed to accommodate a range of IOS requirements, with open storage plots available from one acre upwards. Plots will be available to let from the first quarter of 2026, with Carter Jonas acting as the sole letting agents. However, the first lettings are expected as early as the final quarter of 2025, reflecting the project’s rapid progress since planning consent was granted.
The decision to pivot towards industrial open storage was not made overnight. Earlier proposals for the site considered a variety of options, including lease renewals for the existing units, new drive-thru establishments, light industrial use, and open storage. Ultimately, the evolving needs of the market and the unique advantages of the site’s location—close to major transport routes and adjacent to a thriving logistics hub—made industrial open storage the logical choice.
For those who frequented Pegasus Court in its heyday, the changes may feel bittersweet. The closure of the Odeon Cinema and the Hungry Horse (also known as Hobsons Choice in some reports) marked the end of an era for local entertainment and dining. According to Property Week, the consent for redevelopment followed the recent shuttering of these establishments. Not all businesses have departed, however. KFC, which operates a standalone drive-thru at the front of the scheme, continues to trade and completed the freehold purchase of its unit in July 2025. This move ensures a continued fast-food presence on the site, even as its surroundings are repurposed for industrial use.
“The open storage market continues to evolve, supporting a diverse range of both local and national businesses,” Mann observed. “Our plans to repurpose the area for this use will return it to productive operation, create new employment opportunities and ensure the site remains secure and well-maintained. We’re committed to working closely with the council and local stakeholders to deliver a scheme that supports the future growth and resilience of Kettering’s economy and we look forward to welcoming our first storage tenants early next year.”
Augur Group’s acquisition of Pegasus Court in January 2024 was a calculated move, anticipating shifts in both the local economy and the broader commercial real estate market. The company’s strategy aligns with growing demand for flexible industrial space, particularly in areas with strong transport links. The proximity of Pegasus Court to Junction 9 of the A14 and the neighboring Symmetry Park logistics scheme makes it an attractive location for businesses seeking secure, accessible storage solutions.
Work has already started on site, with the transformation visibly underway. The redevelopment is expected to generate new employment opportunities, both during the construction phase and once the site becomes operational. Local authorities and stakeholders have been engaged throughout the process, with Augur Group emphasizing its commitment to supporting the future growth and resilience of Kettering’s economy.
The shift from leisure to industrial open storage is part of a broader trend affecting similar sites across the UK. As consumer habits change and the demand for traditional entertainment venues wanes, property owners and developers are increasingly exploring alternative uses for underutilized assets. Industrial open storage, in particular, has gained traction due to its versatility and the growing needs of logistics, construction, and distribution businesses.
For Kettering, the redevelopment of Pegasus Court represents both a loss and an opportunity. The site’s history as a leisure destination will not be forgotten, but its new role as a hub for industrial open storage could bring renewed vitality to the area. The presence of established operators like KFC ensures some continuity, while the influx of new businesses has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic activity.
As the project moves forward, all eyes will be on how the transformation unfolds and what it means for the future of Kettering’s commercial landscape. Will the new industrial open storage facility live up to expectations, driving growth and innovation in the region? Or will nostalgia for the site’s former life linger among longtime residents? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Pegasus Court is entering a bold new chapter, one that reflects the changing needs and aspirations of the community it serves.
With planning consent secured, construction underway, and the first lettings on the horizon, the story of Pegasus Court is far from over. As Augur Group and its partners work to deliver on their vision, the site stands as a testament to adaptability and the enduring potential of well-located real estate—even as the world around it continues to change.
