Department Landmark stores in risk of forever lost, report warns | Architecture

At least 18 inches tall street titans” – an architecturally significant department stores who have fallen victim to deep changes in shopping patterns are on risk of to be irretrievably lost, according to new report.

But these cathedrals of commerce,” as Emile Zola described them in his 1883 novel Ladies Paradise should be granted new lives like art galleries, houses, community concentrators and social space, says Save British heritage.

“IN new In an age where large-scale retail is no longer sustainable, these subtle structures risk of dilapidation or even demolition … The protection and revival of these buildings is not only a matter of preservation of precious and original architecture; this is an opportunity to restore the feeling of place” says Harriet Lloyd, author of Outgoing stores: Emporia is in danger.

The report details the 46 iconic departments. stores in city ​​and city centers. Some were restored or rebuilt with the preservation of their architectural heritage, but others are empty and are on risk of decay or destruction.

“The same loss of relevance earlier faced majestic homes, warehouses and many churches are now threatened new building type for in first time: pulpit store,” Report says.

There were 237 vacant departments. stores in Great Britain in middle of 2021, according to the British Retail Consortium and Local Data Company. nine out of 10 former Debenhams stores were still empty year after the chain collapsed, and the fifth of former BHS outlets were empty five years after the company closed.

Slow decline of department store began with in creation of shopping malls and out-of- city shopping parks in in second half of in last century. He sped up with in growth of online purchases, helped by an increase in rent and business rates.

Between 2006 and 2020 online sales increased by almost 20% of retail in the UK and grew up to 30% during past two years of Covid lockdowns and closures. in first quarter of 2021 total vacancy in retail was at five-year high of 14.1%.

Report says: “Department stores do up a little of the most beautiful and socially significant buildings on British main streets. Designed to impress and inspire, they are sure to of great architectural merit and stand as a monument to historical prosperity of city.”

Marcus Binnie, Executive President of “Save the British heritage”, said: “There can hardly be a major city, in Britain, which was not affected by the shutdown of one department store and sometimes several. race is an on identify and evaluate these buildings.

The developers were also race to transform those buildings for new uses. More disturbing was the “number of cases where owners seek to demolish their department stores to the ground with Target of obtaining favorable planning permits for more new development”.

Many of buildings were significant challenges to the conversion says Report. “Decades of extensions, mergers and ad hoc fixes led in labyrinth of interiors of various levels and heights of ceilings, abandoned staircases and forgotten pantries.

“Natural light – en enemy the seller – the need for homes, hotels and offices, and can’t achieve anything in Centre of deep floor plates. This can make demolition the most attractive option”.

Among those who risk according to the report of T.J. Hughes in Eastbourne that was completed in 1926, but vacant since May 2019. building features elegant rusticated pilasters, stucco cartouches and a skylight windows.

Currently submitted plans to demolish the waterfront building and replace it with “tasteless apartment building… An irretrievable loss of this detailed and characteristic building would real tragedy”.

in Nottingham a former Griffin and Spaulding store is “iconic feature of in the city’s historic center. Its stone facade, built in 1924, “decorated with sculpted urns, an elaborate cartouche supported by carved cherubs, and a gallery of connected columns.

store was bought by Debenhams in 1944 and closed in May 2021. No future plans expected for it’s a great building.” says Report.

But Bobby in Bournemouth was successfully repurposed since it closed as a department store last year. As well as retail space art gallery, with a restaurant hall and a rooftop bar are planned. Premises include community spaces and architectural features Arriving restored.