It has been announced that Frasers Group plc are confirmed to take over the former BHS building in Coventry City Centre.
Plans for the space include a new elevated Sports Direct store, which will also house clothing retailer USC, Evans Cycles and GAME as well as a Belong gaming arena, and is set to open later this year. The large British Home Stores building has been empty since it closed in 2016.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change said: “This is absolutely great news. The former BHS store is a big shop in a prime location, right in the heart of the city centre. It’s a real boost that it will be filled by this leading retailer, bringing new retail destinations to our city centre. It shows the confidence that the company has in the city and at a time that has never been more challenging for retail and for high streets, generally.
“I’ve seen the plans and this is real, no scrimping investment. The building will be brought back to life and will be fit for the way new generations like to shop. It will look great against the investment we have made in Upper Precinct and Market Way and just like our work there this is the best of the old and the best of the new.”
The Coventry Society is pleased to see the building being reused but is disappointed that the original canopies, which were a key feature of Gibson’s plan for the city centre, were removed and are not being re-created. With global warming now an established fact, we need to provide as much shade and shelter in the city centre as possible.