House of Fraser: Talks already started on future of Shrewsbury building
Discussions about the future of Shrewsbury's House of Fraser store have already begun.
Just hours after it was revealed the department store in High Street was among those facing closure, town leaders were exploring their options for the future.
Keen not to let the building lay empty for years to come, the idea of transforming it into a boutique hotel has been mooted.
Mayor of Shrewsbury and leader of Shropshire Council, Peter Nutting, said the authority met yesterday morning and opened discussions.
Himself a former shop owner at the town centre Sports and Games, he said: "Of course it's unfortunate and we'd rather it stayed open but we will deal with it the best we can.
"What we will be investigating is whether we can get any of the franchises inside the store currently, into the shopping centres.
"And eventually we will have to look into the future use of the building. It is not owned by Shropshire Council but ideas have been put out there that it could be made into apartments or a boutique hotel. We're very open minded about it.
"Of course we will do what we can to help the company."
The store underwent a major refurbishment in 2016 which included a new cafe, alterations to the windows to let in more light, and the introduction of new brands.
Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We were saddened to hear the news. We will be working with the store to ensure that staff are aware of the help and support available to them at this uncertain time.
"We will also be working with our partners, including the Shropshire Business Board and Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID), to continue to grow the town.
"Shrewsbury has a lot to offer and is a place which visitors flock to, to experience its individuality and history, as well as its excellent shops and eateries.
"We have exciting plans for the future and we’re confident that, together, we can build on the town’s prosperity by investing in the amazing businesses we have and encouraging others to invest."
The shop dates back to the Della Porta Department store which traded on this site from 1926.
Joseph Della Porta came to England in 1847 from Italy and by 1857, he had opened a small store on Princess Street.
The business continued to grow and expand before it was purchased by Hide & Co in 1948.
In 1957 it was purchased by House of Fraser, which rebranded it Rackhams.
Peter Bettis, president of Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said the department store is "iconic".
"I'm very saddened about the news that we're going to lose this iconic store," he said. "I, and many people will remember it when it was Della Porters.
"People from all over Shropshire and Mid Wales come to Shrewsbury for a shopping experience and it's disappointing that we're set to lose a big name.
"It's such a lovely building as well that deserves to be shown off. I'm sure there will be opportunities in the future for it.
"But mostly I'm disappointed for the people who work there and will lose their jobs."
