The news that BHS (or British Home Stores for the older ones amongst us) had gone into administration and ultimately liquidation is a matter of some sadness – especially for the chain’s 11,000 staff. In Gloucester it means that a prime frontage on Eastgate Street will become vacant and there is uncertainty over its future.

The BHS premises are part of the Kings Walk Shopping Centre assets being sold by insurance giant Aviva. The purchaser is Vixcroft – a relatively new property company, which has promised to invest £5 million in their newly-acquired asset. Vixcroft are also supporting the City Council’s plans for Kings Quarter and public consultation is now underway on the revised scheme, including a hotel and new indoor market hall.

There is reason to be optimistic
I know from discussions with key fashion retailers that Eastgate Street is the place in Gloucester they want to be – on our main shopping street next to other top brands. So, despite the sadness of BHS’s departure, there is reason to be optimistic. The store could even be carved up into several units, bringing a number of retailers to Eastgate Street.

Eastgate Street has a number of fine buildings – such as the Guildhall, the Eastgate Market portico, Lloyds and Natwest banks – but it also has its fair share of less attractive ones like Boots, the Kings Walk car park frontage (which we will sort out!) and the link bridge. It also has the city’s Roman East Gate outside Boots, which in recent years has been presented in a much better way. With some creativity the BHS building could look dramatically better.

The first gate street to be pedestrianised
Eastgate Street was the first of our gate streets to be pedestrianised – probably the best part of 30 years ago. Apart from some “de-cluttering” works and repairs, not a great deal has been done since and it’s now showing its age. So, as soon as we have the money available, we will set about renewing the paving in the core of Eastgate Street.

So, despite mourning the loss of a retailer many of us grew up with, I believe the future for Eastgate Street can be bright.