New life is proposed for the empty building formerly occupied by Topshop and Wadhams in Newport town centre.
The huge former home of the high street clothing brand, which dominates St James’ Square, fell empty in 2021, when its owners went into administration.
2 years after it became vacant, there are plans to turn the top 3 floors into a hub for learning. Meanwhile, there could be a shop on the ground floor and part of the 1st floor.
It is proposed that items created by those in education upstairs in the building, could be sold there. The building was once the base for Wadham and Sons, for nearly 130 years, and became Topshop in 1990.
In 2022, plans were approved to restore the building’s front to its former glory — before its 2016 makeover. A Victorian-style front will mean it will look as it did when it belonged to Wadham and Sons, in line with the High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme.
On the top floor, its owners want to partially open up the roof, creating vaulted ceilings, and potentially installing 4 roof lights. The proposal has been submitted by planning agent ERMC, for Wadham Property Partnership.
Inside, minor alterations are proposed, including installing a lift and adding stud walls. The existing architectural and historic interest of the property would be unaffected, ERMC says in planning documents.
It says the alterations would benefit the local historic character of the area by bringing an existing, vacant building back into full use for local educational needs.
You can view the plans, 23/00615/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be made until 23rd May.
Well hope it improves the frontage a little unlike the rest of Newport which frankly is in a very depressing way.
I went to Shanklin and Sandown today for the first time in a while and was shocked at how run down the Sea front shops and Town area look.
I hate to think what holiday makers must think, it’s not a cheap option coming to the Isle of Wight.
The filthy dirty shelters on the promenade, run down Hotels, Cafés and shops, what a let down it must be.
Something needs to be done asap.
Nothing will get done to make it look better whilst the council and counsellors waste money on useless things .
They get millions each year that is never seen again and we suffer each year on council tax hikes that is all we and the island gets.
Fifty years ago people came over to the island to enjoy what was thought of as a step back in time and how things used to be. Now it’s just run down and derelict and needs to be brought up to date. Quaint it ain’t anymore, time to bring in the bulldozers, stop building houses and build something that will attract tourism. The island still has a natural beauty so give people somewhere that they would like to stay, somewhere they would like to return to, time and again.
Sadly will never happen whilst councils are pretending to be in control
I remember as a kid walking around that shop with all its lovely furniture..was told it’s haunted as is BHF furniture shop.. as said the Isle of Wight has lost its sparkle and in need of a face lift in most towns. That Bed place at top of town is a disgrace.. but can’t wait to get in the new shop to see all its glory..