BOURNEMOUTH’S old House of Fraser building, which is to be converted into student accommodation, has been given a new name.
Carve Developments has named the building Bright House – after Bright’s of Bournemouth, founded in the town in 1871.
Work on redeveloping the stricken building has already begun after planning permission was granted last December.
Completion of 129 premium en-suite student bedrooms is targeted for September 2024, in time for the new academic year.
And the 10 commercial units on the ground floor are expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2025, according to Goadsby.
Grant Cormack, divisional director for retail and investments at Goadsby, said: “Bright House draws its inspiration and name from the building's storied past.
“The project celebrates the legacy of Bright's of Bournemouth, once a bustling hub in the town's retail landscape.
“By integrating historical elements with contemporary design, we aim to create a living space that respects its rich heritage while meeting modern needs.”
Read more: House of Fraser in Bournemouth town centre to be developed
Space for new businesses in the new commercial units range from 625 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft and has been launched by Goadsby, available on traditional occupational leases.
Any businesses interested can contact Grant via email, grant.cormack@goadsby.com, or phone 01202 550135 or 07776217453.
The project, which also includes Belfast House and Gervis Hall in Gervis Place, is likely to bring some new life into the town centre.
House of Fraser, in Old Christchurch Road, has been empty since it was shut down in March 2022.
It was the last department store in Bournemouth town centre, having lost Beales in 2020 and Debenhams in 2021.
Grant added: “Bright House stands as a testament to Carve and Rengen's commitment to excellence, sustainability and respect for history.
“This project is not just about building spaces; it's about reviving stories and creating a vibrant future for Bournemouth's town centre.”
Students interested in the accommodation can reach out to Rengen Lettings, the managing company, at info@rengenlettings.co.uk.
Bright’s of Bournemouth was the town’s oldest department store selling needlework and wool in the Arcade.
The business was expanded into neighbouring shops and then an adjacent building.
It was bought by JJ Allen and then House of Fraser, which branded it as Dingles, before it took the House of Fraser name in 2007.
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