The House of Fraser department store in Cardiff is set to close down, WalesOnline understands. A date is yet to be confirmed but the closure is likely to happen next month, a member of staff told customers on Thursday.
The Howells building, which is displaying "closing down — extra 20% off" signs, has been a retail landmark in St Mary Street for more than 150 years and rebranded as House of Fraser in 2010. Earlier this month the first phase of a scheme to transform the site was announced. Investment company Thackeray, which acquired the listed building out of administration last year, is planning a £100m mixed-use redevelopment.
The scheme known as the Percy — in a nod to the building’s architect Sir Percy Thomas — would include a roof terrace and, depending on the letting deal struck, could involve office, retail, food and drink uses. The plans announced were for the part of the building not occupied by House of Fraser.
It was previously reported that House of Fraser could see its space reduced at the site if it were to remain open long-term. You can read more here about the proposals, which reportedly could include bars, restaurants, shopping and a hotel.
House of Fraser is one of the retail brands in Frasers Group, from which Mike Ashley recently stood down as chairman while maintaining a controlling interest. Last year Frasers acquired a large building on Queen Street which had previously been leased to Top Shop, Zara and River Island. The site will be the location of a super store for the group’s fashion and beauty retailer Flannels, which is expected to open later this year.
Frasers and Thackeray have been approached for more details. You can read more breaking news from across Wales here.
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