Canada Life 'committed' to historic store revamp

CHELTENHAM Civic Society says it is disappointed with the progress of plans to redevelop the landmark Cavendish House.

- CARMELO GARCIA Local Democracy Reporter

The oldest department store in the spa town, which has been a fixture on the Promenade since 1823, was home to House of Fraser until it closed its doors in April last year.

A month later, the site reopened with pop-up stalls, while the owners deliberated on redevelopment plans for the town centre landmark. Canada Life Asset Management has been engaged in pre-planning application discussions with Cheltenham Borough Council.

Last year, councillors were informed that a mixed-use scheme, including substantial town centre accommodation, would be the most viable use for the site. However, Cheltenham Civic Society (CCS) has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress on the redevelopment of Cavendish House.