Last week we broke the news that a plan has been approved in principle for the future of the House of Fraser building in George Street, once the retailer closes in September.

Richmond BID (Business Improvement District) works to 'promote Richmond as a great place to live, work and explore'.

It's a membership organisation with more than 350 Richmond businesses in its network.

BID chair Erick Kervaon writes here for Richmond Nub News about the things we'll miss most about House of Fraser and what to look forward to about the new plans.

The departure of House of Fraser from its iconic location in George Street, Richmond in September will end a long and proud chapter in the town's retail history.

However, the multi-million pound mixed development plans mark a new and exciting role for the site as a retail and leisure destination.

The premises have served as a much loved department store since 1969, originally bearing the Dickins and Jones livery, but more recently operating under the House of Fraser brand.

As a department store, the George Street site was the retail anchor of Richmond town centre attracting consistently high volumes of quality footfall to the town – to the benefit of all retail and hospitality outlets.

Sadly, the role and importance of the department store in the UK has gradually declined in the face of strong competition, originally from purpose-built shopping malls and more recently online retail offerings.

In Richmond, we will miss the high-quality brand concessions that House of Fraser provided, but we know that times have changed and that a more flexible experiential offer is required.

Furthermore, the existing building is outdated and in need of significant investment.

The Richmond BID board is confident that the approved plans developed by owners Canadian and Arcadia (after extensive local consultation), will breathe new life into both the property and the town.

Richmond remains a leading retail and hospitality destination and we look forward to welcoming new businesses to the community as the development progresses."

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