Department store retailer Fenwick has gained approval from Westminster Council for a five-storey extension and a part conversion to office space at its flagship Bond Street location.
Councillors said that while “we all realise retail is changing dramatically, these are exceptional circumstances and anything that can help a store like Fenwick to survive and thrive should be welcomed”. The application was unanimously approved.
The application proposed a five-storey rooftop extension to accommodate new office floorspace, alongside access from Brook Street.
Fenwick’s retail space at the location will be reduced by some 12,860 sq ft, while adding around 52,800 sq ft of office space.
The project will also involve converting part-retail A1 floorspace to B1 office floorspace, new roof terraces on Brook Street and New Bond Street frontages, and other associated works.
Department stores in the West End have been drastically cutting back retail space in favour of offices, in a sign of the times for their traditional format.
Close by, retail space at House of Fraser’s Oxford Street flagship will halve by around 168,500 sq ft to roughly 170,700 sq ft, while adding around 145,300 sq ft of offices.
Under the proposals, submitted by Publica Properties and recommended for approval in November, a 12,000 sq ft restaurant would also be built across the seventh floor, as well as a 10,600 sq ft gym in the basement.
Debenhams’ plans to add more alternative uses to its Oxford Street flagship were also recommended for approval in recent months.
The change of use application aimed to convert part of the fourth and fifth floors from retail to offices, to accommodate its HQ relocation from Regent’s Place, NW1.
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