Chester's River Island could move into old M&S store

Fashion retailer River Island looks set to relocate into the former Marks and Spencer menswear store in Chester city centre.

The large unit, with entrances in Foregate Street and Frodsham Street, was vacated by M&S in March 2014 when the retailer consolidated its retail offer across the road in its other store.

And Blue Coast Commercial Investments was recently granted planning permission to subdivide part of the premises fronting Foregate Street, with separate entrances for two different retailers.

Applications have now followed from River Island for advertising and planning consent to change the shop front of what would be the unit closest to Frodsham Street, with decisions awaited.

Permission has also been granted for change of use planning consent concerning the element of the old M&S fronting Frodsham Street from A1 (shops) to A2 (financial and professional services) or A3 (restaurants and cafes).

Splitting up the former M&S store overcomes the difficulty in marketing such a large unit.

Who else?

There had already been speculation River Island was in the frame. Company spokeswoman Holly Fulco said last year: “We are currently looking at relocating our store in Chester however we haven’t confirmed any location or signed any contracts.”

In the past the Wilkinson homeware brand, which already has an outlet in Foregate Street, has also been linked to the vacant unit. Spokesman Peter Woodall said previously: “I can confirm we would like larger premises here, but have no agreements in place on any particular location at present.”

Andrew Pannell, of Chester Civic Trust, was concerned about the possible loss of retail in the unit fronting Frodsham Street arguing the further introduction of non-retail uses in these streets would ‘undermine the role of the primary shopping streets and adversely affect the character of the city centre’.

But the applicants said in an accompanying statement to Cheshire West and Chester Council : “The unit, having been vacant for some 10 months, does not currently contribute to the visual amenity of the area or the general vitality and viability of the city centre.”

They added: “The proposal will ensure the units meet both retailers’ and customers’ requirements. In addition, the scheme will sensitively improve and modernise the appearance of the unit in keeping and within the character of the conservation area.”