Avon calls on Northampton

    Avon Cosmetics is preparing to move into a new UK and European HQ.   Merchant Place Developments, the West End-based company run by Michael Chicken, has begun work on the 100,000 sq ft scheme in Northampton, and hopes to complete it by July 2009.   Avon is moving to the RyderHKS-designed, five-storey building overlooking the River Nene from its neighbouring 1950s office.   It has taken a 15-year lease at around £15 per sq ft. Cushman & Wakefield advised Merchant on funding and was project manager.