Work continues this week on reducing the old BHS building on Lancaster’s Market Street to a shell this week.
Paul Williams, Group Operations Director at the Stonegate Pub Company, “declared an interest” on Facebook group Lancaster Past and Present and revealed DPG have acquired the former BHS premises, transforming it to multi use including a Gym, Restaurant Bar and at least three retail units (the discussion thread is here)
The change of use, mixing services and retail should come as no surprise as town centres change. We’re seeing the growth of many more “service” shops, not easily duplicated online but, sadly, a bit of a decline in independent retailers – many citing high rents and rates as major causes of giving up on the high street.
We are also seeing a trend towards re-urbanisation. As noted on theplanner web site, more people want to live in city centres to be near to these facilities and services.
• The government offers guidance on planning for retail and other town centre uses: www.gov.uk/guidance/ensuring-the-vitality-of-town-centres
• Lancaster’s Local Plan is online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy
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