Ex-House of Fraser site to get big retail transformation

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jul 15, 2020

A former House of Fraser store in Richmond is to be converted into a multi-million-pound retail and leisure centre, after getting the go-ahead from councillors.

Investors Canadian and Arcadia had applied to transform the former department store at 75-81 George Street in order to build a mixed-use development complete with offices, retail stores and leisure space.

House of Fraser is due to vacate the building in September as part of Mike Ashley’s plans to resize its store portfolio.

According to various media reports, the redevelopment project has been approved by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Council, after a 24-hour consultation with the community in Richmond.

Plans include creating 42,000 sq ft of office space on the top four floors, with 22,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space on the ground and lower ground. The Industry reported that a range of improvements are being considered to make the building more environmentally friendly and energy efficient and the frontages on Golden Court and Paved Court will be revamped to generate footfall. 

The estimated completion time is approximately 12 months after work starts.